386 PROPERTIES AND USES, 
rheumatism ; it is used in dropsy as a diuretic; it is also 
used for wounds and contusions. oniophlebium attenua- 
tum and Plewridiwm crassifolium are also called Calahula, 
and are considered to possess the same properties as the 
preceding, and to be particularly efficacious in syphilis. 
Lastrea Filiz-Mas. 
Of all the Ferns celebrated by the ancients for their 
medicinal virtues, the male Fern ranks the highest, its 
reputation as a yermifuge having descended from the time 
of Dioscorides to the present, the part used being the hard 
woody portion of the caudex, which is either taken in the 
form of a powder, decoction, or etherial extract. But 
notwithstanding its ancient celebrity and fame acquired 
during the latter part of the last century, when it was 
discovered to form the basis of the Swiss remedy for 
tenia, the secret of which Louis XVI. purchased of Madame 
Mouffer for the sum of 18,000 francs, its use is, however; 
gradually becoming obsolete. 
A Fern called *Filix-Mas" has lately come into repute 
in Australia and Tasmania as a cure for snake bites. 
(What Fern is this ?) x 
L. athamantica, a Fern found near Port Natal; itis : : 
ealled Umkomo-komo by the natives, and is used by them ` 
as a vermifuge, and its caudex given in the form of a ` 1 
powder, infusion, or electuary, has been proved to ok S 
excellent in the cure of tape worm. a 
L. fragrans and L. emula are two of the few iid 
smelling Ferns; the first is a native of the north temperate 
zone, used in some countries as a substitute for tea; the 
second is a native of Madeira, Azores, and also of Britain ; | 
it has the scent of hay, and on that account has been oe 
E L. es 
