NAT. ORDER. SENTICOS^. 23 



same manner as directed above, and train the shoots to rise a little 

 diagonally. After pruning, having cleared away the cuttings, dig the 

 ground between and about the plants. To tiu'n m a little rich com- 

 post, will conduce much to then- growth ; lay it at the extremities of 

 the roots, and deeper as the plantation gets older. Eradicate all 

 straggling .suckers. 



Taking the Crop. The fruit of the cUfierent varieties comes in 

 from the end of June or July till October, or later. As it ripens it 

 should be timely gathered for immediate use, because when fully 

 ripe it will not keep above two or three days before it decays and 

 becomes unfit for use. 



Mcdiad Properties and Uses. The leaves of this plant have of 

 late become quite fashionable as a substitute for black tea ; many 

 villages in some sections of the Northern States use, and prefer the 

 raspberry leaves to the best of black tea, which is not easily distin- 

 guished apart. The raspberry is certainly the most wholesome, and 

 with the addition of a little sugar and mUk, forms a very pleasant 

 beverage. Tlie fruit is considered cooling, gently laxative, and 

 antiseptic, and can be used with gi-eat advantage to correct any 

 putrid tendency in the stomach or bowels, especially dui'ing the 

 hot weatlier. Dr. Mattson, author of the " American Vegetable 

 Practice," appears to have made himself more fully acquainted 

 with this species of raspberry tiian most botanists ; he describes the 

 leaves as being " moderately astringent, with a slightly bitter, and 

 very agreeable aromatic taste." A decoction made from the leaves 

 and small branches he highly recommends as an " excellent remedy 

 in the bowel complaints of children ; and if used in season, will 

 arrest the disease and effect a cure. It should be given in small 

 draughts, and administered also by way of injection. The addition 

 of a little ulmus falva will render it stUl more efficacious." The 

 tea is very valuable as a soothing and cleansing wash for ulcers, 



