NAT. ORDER. SENTICOSiE. 79 



fruit IS a red berry composed of several roundish granulations, col- 

 lected into a knob, and placed upon a conical receptacle ; each gran- 

 ulation has one cell which contains a small kidney-shaped seed. 



It has been said that this species of hlackhcrry is a native of 

 Eurojje, but from what authority, or source of accurate knowledge 

 of its origin, that it could have been so considered, we arc unable 

 to account, for certainly it is, that when this country was first dis- 

 covered by the Europeans, which was long before the introduction 

 of any foreign plant, the high, or bush blackberry, (so called from 

 its shrub-like and robust appearance,) was found in all 23arts of the 

 New England States, growing in open woods, on the south side of 

 mountains, and in rocky and waste places. From this we are led 

 to believe that this species of blackberry is a native of this country, 

 and especially when we take into consideration the innumerable 

 quantities produced, and the vast extent of territory in which it is 

 found growing in a wild state. We do not remember of seeing, nor 

 can we learn from its history, that it has ever been cultivated in this 

 country; although it produces large quantities of fruit, of a rich 

 and highly palatable flavor, and can be multiplied to any extent, 

 which would in our opinion richly repay the labor, and prove a 

 source of profit, not only for medicinal purposes, but a grateful and 

 wholesome addition to the luxuries of our markets. 



Medical Froperties and Uses. The roots of this plant have 

 long been considered as one of the most valuable astringent and 

 tonic medicines in the Matei-ia Medica. From the earliest period 

 of history they have been a favorite domestic i-emedy in bowel af- 

 fections; and from popular favor have passed into regular practice. 

 Given in the form of decoction, they prove acceptable to the stom- 

 ach, and not offensive to the taste, and can be employed with great 

 advantage in cases of diarrhoea from relaxation of the bowels, 

 either in adults or children. We would also add our own testimony 

 to that of others who have spoken favorably of their use in this com- 

 plaint ; and many other cases where astringents are found servicable. 



