SENEGA. 177 



supposed discovery; but more extended observations have 

 proved the fallacy of trusting to this plant as an antidote to any 

 venomous bite. It has been but little employed as an allopathic 

 remedy, but it was formerly recommended by Bigelow, De 

 Jussieu, and others, in the latter stages of bronchial and pul- 

 monary inflammation, in chronic catarrh, and humid asthma; 

 and at one time was supposed to be a specific for croup. It 

 has also been used as an emetic, diaphoretic, and diuretic. 

 In angina pectoris, particularly in phlegmatic or leucophleg- 

 matic patients. In pneumonia during the critical stage (accord- 

 ing to Vogt), when the expectoration is viscid and stagnant ; 

 according to Sundelin, when the expectoration is suspended, 

 or ceases. In the acute exanthemata. Asthenic small-pox and 

 asthenic measles. Scarlatina. In dropsy In angina mem- 

 branacea. In whooping-cough, and in diseases of the eye. 



Description. — A hardy perennial. Flowering from June 

 to August. The root is woody, branched, and contorted, about 

 half an inch in diameter, and covered with a yellowish-grey 

 bark. The stems are annual, from nine to twelve inches high, 

 occasionally tinged at the lower part with red or purple. 

 Leaves are alternate, sessile, or on very short stalks ; paler be- 

 neath. The JZowers are small and white, in loose, terminal 

 spikes. The calyx, which in this genus is the most conspicuous 

 part of the flower, consists of five leaflets, the two largest of 

 which are roundish, ovate, white, and slightly veined. The 

 stamens are all united at the bottom, and attached to the corolla 

 with eight tubular anthers, opening at the summit. The capsule 

 is small, and contains two blackish seeds. The spike opens 

 very gradually, so that the lower flowers are in fruit while the 



upper ones are in blossom. 



Geographical Distribution— North America,- in most 

 latitudes of the United States ; abundant in Kentucky, Ohio, 

 and Tennessee J Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Canada. 



Parts used in Medicine, and Mode of Preparation. 

 The Root. Senega, or Seneka root, sometimes called Seneka, 



