NAT. ORDER. — SENTICOS-E. 



71 



and June, and producing innumerable quantities of its fruit in July and 

 August. It is also extensively cultivated in our gardens, not only as 

 an ornament, but more particularly on account of its delicious fruit. 

 The figure which accompanies this description vv'as taken from a gar- 

 den specimen, and consequently appears more luxuriant than when the 

 Rasjfberry is found in its natural or uncultivated state. For cultiva- 

 tion they require a shelter afforded by a hedge or fence, in order to 

 protect them from the too powerful rays of the sun. Tlie soil sliould 

 be of a light, sandy loam, perfectly friable and well manured. They 

 should be planted in double rows, twelve inches apart, and running 

 east and west, that each row will serve in a measure to shelter the 

 next one from the sun. The double rows should not be more than 

 three feet apart, and the plants when first set out eighteen inches from 

 each other, after which they may be allowed to run together ; they 

 will be found most productive, and the fruit larger, when they are thus 

 allowed to partially shade each other. The rows should be supported 

 by a slight railing at each side, or by a cord attached to stakes or 

 poles at suitable distances. 



Nearly all the varieties of the Raspberry are cultivated from 

 suckers, by planting them in the ground, and again by loping down the 

 ends of their summer shoots to the earth, which take root and form 

 new plants. 



Medical Properties and Uses. The virtues of the Raspberry 

 consist in allaying heat and thirst, and in promoting the natural excre- 

 tions. Dr. Matson, in his practice, found it to possess cooling, gently 

 laxative, and antiseptic properties. The leaves are moderately astrin- 

 gent, with a slightly bitter, and very agreeable aromatic taste ; made 

 into a tea it has proved to be one of the most valuable remedies in our 

 country, for dysenteria and all bowel complaints in children, and if 

 taken in season will usually effect a cure ; the tea is also soothing, and 

 a cleansing wash for ulcers, scalds, burns, and all excoriated surfaces 

 which are very sore or irritable. 



