50 - NAT. ORDER. IRIOE^. 



cultivated in many parts of England, formerly for medicinal par- 

 possess, but more lately as an ornament. A vast accession of species 

 have, at different times, been received from the Cape of Good 

 Hope, and many of which are most beautiful and pleasing to the 

 eye. The European species thrive and do very well in hedges 

 and borders ; but the Cape species require careful nursing, and to be 

 treated like other bulbous roots from the same country, that is, 

 potted in sandy leaf-mould, kept dry when dormant, fresh potted 

 in October, and afterwards placed in a frame and regularly watered 

 after they begin to grow. They continue in blossom from May 

 till the middle of July.' 



Medical Properties and Uses. This species of gladiolus, was 

 extensively used in the time of Galen, and was then considered 

 extremely useful in the treatment of many chronic diseases, but of 

 late has fell into disuse, and like many other very valuable medici- 

 nal plants, is not recognized as being officinal, either by the Edin- 

 burgh, London, or United States Pharmacopse's on which account 

 it is, at the present time, but little known ; although forgotten or 

 neglected, its medical properties are valuable, and needs only to be 

 tested to give it a place in our modern Materia Medica. It is both 

 tonic and astringent, and can be safely employed both as an inter- 

 nal and external remedy. 



The roots beaten up and mixed with a little meal, honey and 

 lard, in the form of a poultice, is said to be a certain remedy for 

 scrofulous swellings in the throat, tumors etc. The powder made 

 from the leaves or seeds, taken freely, is highly recommended in 

 cases of billions cholic, giving immediate relief. The fresh leaves 

 bruised and applied to old sores and wounds, have proved very 

 serviceable in cleansing them from putrid or foul matter, having a 

 tendency to draw splinters, thorns and peices of broken bones out 

 of the flesh. It is also found useful, applied externally, in reducmg 

 tumors, local swellings, inflamation, etc., in which cases the leaves 

 or roots are powdered, made into a poultice, and applied. 



