542 CONVOLVULACEAE. 
and much like the fibre of flax; they are very strong and not 
easily removed by pulling or scraping ; they retain moisture well. 
The roots are long, woody and tough, covered with a dark 
brown bark; on transverse section they present a central 
porous woody column, and several concentric rings of woody 
fibre, between which are situated portions of parenchyma. In 
the woody portions of the root there are large laticiferous 
vessels which contain a yellowish latex. The vascular system 
consists of very large dotted vessels. In the parenchyme are 
numerous conglomerate raphides. - 
Chemical composition.—The roots yielded acid resins of an 
amber colour, soluble in ether and benzole, and partly soluble 
in alkalies. The acid ether extract was partly soluble in water 
with strong acid reaction, and gave with ferric salts a grass- 
green coloration; with alkalies a bright yellow. The portion 
insoluble in water was soluble in alkalies with orange colora- 
tion, and afforded with acids a yellowish-white precipitate. The 
original aqueous solution after addition of an alkali and agita- 
tion with ether, failed to afford any alkaloidal reactions when 
the ethereal extract was tested. This extract did not amount 
to more than a trace. The original aqueous solution contained 
a tannin-like principle. 
CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS, Linn. 
Fig.—Eng. Bot. v., t.312; Bulliard Herb. Fr., t. 269. Small 
oe "os othe (Eng.), Pies des champs (F’r.). 
Te a Western India from Cashmere to the Deccan. Most 
emperate climates.. The root. | 
Verncalir —Hiexipad, Hiranpadi (Hind.), Hiran Guz., 
‘Sind. ), Ni aranji (Can.). — 
ib : —— &c.—This common: weed of cultiva- 
ek name for a plant described by Dios- 
Cissampelos of Matthiolus (Valgr. 2, 359). 
‘ently of ee plants, men- 5 
