NAT. ORDER. ASPERIP0LI7E. 87 



The best mode, however, is by sowing the seed annually in the 

 autumn or spring months, in the places where the plants are to 

 stand, or by letting plants shed their seed, keeping them from stand- 

 ing too closely together. When they are intended tor the produce of 

 their tender yomig leaves, they may be soavu broadcast in small 

 beds at different times, from the spring till autmnn, in the garden, 

 covering the seed by the rake ; afterwards, when of proper gTowth, 

 keeping the plants thinned out to a good distance, as six or eight 

 inches or more. In this way supplies of green leaves and flowers 

 are provided in succession, for summer, autmnn, and the following 

 early spring. 



The second species is increased Avith much facility by parting the 

 roots, and planting them out where they are to remain, in the autumn. 

 It may also be raised by sowing the seeds at the same season, where 

 they are to remain, keepuig the plants while yoimg perfectly free 

 from weeds. This latter sort is wholly employed as a flowering or- 

 uamental plant. 



Medical Properties and Uses. It has been considered dlapho- 

 rcUc, tonic, alterative, and refrigerant. This plant is veiy much used 

 in France. A sirup made of the leaves and flowers is employed as 

 a demulcent, refrigerant, and gentle diaplioretic in catarrhal affec- 

 tions, rheumatism, and disease of the skin ; it pm-ifies and cleanses 

 the blood from all humors, is very imich used in all malignant, putrid, 

 or spotted fevers, and is said to l)e a sm-e remedy for poison, obstruc- 

 tions, yellow jamidice and melancholy ; it has also been found useful 

 as a gargle for ulcers and cancer of the mouth, and to aUay inflam- 

 mation of the tonsils in the throat. 



Sirup. Take one pound of the leaves and blows ; steep in 

 four quarts of water down to three quarts ; stam off and add one 

 quart of good molasses and two quarts of Holland gin, when it 

 is ready for use. Dose, — A wine-glassful two or three times a 

 day, before eatuig, and more should the urgency of the case re- 

 quire it 



