136 FLOWERING SHRUBS. 



orange to bright scarlet, ^^'hen the seeds are ripe the pod divides, and 

 the segments curl back and disclose the three-celled three-valved berry, 

 which has, in each cell, one or two hard yellow seeds, covered with a thin 

 coating of scarlet pulp which is called the aril ; this is acrid and burning 

 to the taste. The Indians make use of the acrid juices of this plant, 

 from the inner bark of the root and the bruised berries, to compound an 

 ointment which is stimulant and healing for old sores, chilblains, and 

 disorders of a similar nature. In country places in England, I have 

 seen the berries of the Black Bryony boiled down with lard, for an 

 application to chilblains which had a similar effect to the Indian Bitter- 

 sweet salve. The Indians also apply this remedy to burns. The inner 

 bark also is used as an orange dye by the natives.* 



There are several species belonging to this Order found in Canada ; 

 but though very ornamental in cultivation as shrubs, none are climbing 

 like our forest Bittersweet, or give such enduring winter ornaments to 

 our houses. Mixed with the branches of Spruce, Hemlock, and Balsam 

 Fir, it forms a substitute at Christmas in our churches for the bright, 

 glossy leaves and red berries of the English Holly. 



The Greek name of this ornamental shrub is derived from a word 

 meaning, — latter season, on account of the fruit remaining persistent 

 through the winter. 



If the Bittersweet were planted in shrubberies, or among trees in 

 plantations, it would become an enduring ornament and enliven the 

 dulness of our Canadian landscape with its bright colours, during the 

 long months of winter. 



Labrador-Tea.— Zd'^///;/ Iatifolii/>/i, (Ait.) 



This is another of our medicinal shrubs, and was held in great 

 repute among the lumbermen and the old backwoodsmen for its sanatory 

 qualities, as a strengthener and purifier of the blood, and as being good 

 for the system in various inward complaints. Some of the old settlers 

 used a decoction of the leaves as a substitute for tea, approving of the 

 resinous aromatic flavour. I was induced to try the beverage, but did 

 not find it to my taste, though it was on the whole preferable to Hem- 

 lock tea, another favourite beverage among backwoodsmen. As a 

 medicine no doubt it deserves the commendations bestowed upon it. 

 'J'hough I did not care for the decoction of the leaves, I was charmed 

 with the beauty of the plant, when I first saw it growing on the banks 

 of one of the lakes north of Peterborough. The whole aspect of this 

 remarkable shrub is most interesting. In height it varies from two to 



• The iiaiiiii IJittcrswnft is taken fiDiii tlw niiiccful KiikHsIi cliuiluT Solainnii iliilcnmafi 

 (L.), fi'iiii a fuiicie.l ri-sciiiMaiice lietweeii tin- two jiliMits. The Knjjlish Hittersweet is .soiiietiliios 

 toiiiul ill C'iinaiia on the hurders of swninps and in low woods, l)ut is an introilueeil jilant. 



