186 TWENTY-FIRST REPORT. 



31. Nicotiana Tabacnm L. (Tobacco). Notwithstanding the fact that 

 not less than 1,000,000 tons of tobacco are nsed annually for smoking anu 

 chewing purposes, a small quantity is used in medicine. In fact, the oil of 

 tobacco was at one time official, and was extensively used during the early 

 and middle part of the last century. There are a number of varieties of Nico- 

 tinana Tabacum which arc cultivated ; we have had the Pennsylvania and the 

 Havana varieties in cultivation. The-e two forms resemble each other, but 

 the Havana Torm has more ovate leaves and dark pink flowers. The value of 

 tobacco depends on it being properly cured and prepared for market. 



32. Ocimum Basilicuni L. (Sweet Basil). An annual herb commonly 

 cultivated as a seasoning, but having also the medicinal properties of other 

 mints. It yields an interesting oil, which, upon investigation, may support 

 the view that it has some value in genito-urinary diseases. 



33. Origanum majorana L. (Sweet Marjoram). Cultivated as a garden 

 herb in Europe, as well as the United States. It is used more as a condiment 

 than as a medicine. It is extensively used, and during recent years the im- 

 ported article has been adulterated with the leaves of the dyer's or poison 

 sumach {Coriaria myrtifolia L.) Formerly it was used like saffron and other 

 drugs in domestic practice, especially in the form of a tea. 



34. Papaver somniforumTj. (Opium poppy). This species and its variety 

 album D. C., furnish the opium of commerce. The plant is readily grown and 

 very excellent fruits or capsules can be obtained, but considerable work is 

 necessary before we will probably make its cultivation a commercial success. 

 Our work with it this year has been somewhat disappointing, but this is 

 largely due to the fact that we were unable to handle the capsules while they 

 were in the green condition. It is at this time when they contain the largest 

 amount of morphine. In Oriental countries, where the poppy plant is grown, 

 it is usual to select those fruits which are just turning a light brown, making 

 incisions which causes the opium to exude. Tlie incisions are made in the 

 evening, and before sunrise the next morning the juice is collected in jars, 

 the whole being kept luitil the harvest is finished. In addition to the opium 

 which the opium poppy furnishes, it yields an interesting seed (Maw seed), 

 which is rich in a fixed oil. The oil is used as a substitute for olive oil, both 

 for culinary and industrial purposes- 



35. Pcntstemon laevigatus Ait. var. Digitalis.. ( Sweet > Gray. A peren- 

 nial herb, with opposite ovate-oblong or lanceolate leaves and spikes of light 

 purplish flowers. The plant is indigenous to some of the central states, and 

 its study may have some .scientific interest. At any rale it has been grown 

 succe.ssfully in Aim Arbor. 



30. Phytolacca dccandra L. (Poke root). Both the root and berries of 

 this common but rather striking plant have received official recognition. 

 Preparations are used in the treatment of rheumatism, those of the root 

 being especially esteemed. The berries are collected when ripe ; the root 



