THE IXCOMPLET.E 



49 



other genera by the perianth being composed of jive 

 parts. 

 Snakeweed or Bistort {Polygomim Bistorta), — 



There Ih a sale for this plant owing to its root having 



tonic and 



astrinorent 



pro- 



/ 



perties. It is found in 



moist meadows. It can be 

 recognized by the follow- 

 ing characteristics: — 



1. The stem is erect, and 



12-18 inches high. 



2. The root is lar^je and 



twisted. 



3. The leaves are eo;or- 



shaped. 

 In some parts of England 



Buckwheat {Poly go nitm 



Fagopyriim) is cultivated 

 as food for pheasants, who 

 are very partial to it. On 

 the Continent it is culti- 

 vated extensively to pro- 

 vide food for the humbler 

 classes. 



RuMEX Gnoup 



Distincfuished 



The 

 (Dock). 



irom the other genera of 

 Polygonace?e by the peri- 

 anth being composed of six 

 segments or parts. 



The roots of Curly or Yellow Dock (Rumex mn.sjjus) 

 and of Water or Red Dock (Ritmex aquaticii.^) are in 



i-equest by the herbalist because of their astringent and 

 tonic qualities. The first is common on fallow gi'ound, 



Fig. 53.— Curly or Vellow Dock 



{Rinnex crispvfi) 



