NAT. ORDER. POMACEiE. 175 



weeks before gatheriu;^ the wliole crop. This operation is generally 

 performed in September, when a part may be laid in the fruit room, 

 and a part thoroughly dried and bedded in sand in the fruit cellar^ for 

 keeping through the wiuh r. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Sweet Almonds exercise no other 

 influence upon the system than that of a demulcent ; they are said to 

 be useful in catarrlial affections. Bhter Almonds are more energetic 

 although not much in use ; they might be employed with advantage in 

 cases to which the hydrocyanic acid is applicable. An emulsion made 

 of them has been successfully used in pectoral affections attended with 

 cough ; it is said to have cured intermittents when bark had failed ; it 

 operates by diminishing the excitability of the nervous system, and 

 moderating existing irritation. They are also highly recommended for 

 the expulsion of the tape-worm. Bitter Almonds afford by expression 

 an oil equally bland as that obtained from the sweet ; but the residue 

 after expression is more intensely bitter than the residue of the sweet 

 They also yield by distillation a very fragrant, acrid, and bitter essen 

 tial oil, which is heavier than water, and proves a very active poison 

 to animals ; a few drops only is extracted from several pounds of ker- 

 nels. From the prussic acid which bitter Almonds contain, they are 

 found to destroy some animals ; in the human subject, if eaten freely, 

 they occasion nausea, vomiting, and other distressing symptoms. When 

 administered to animals with a view to their destruction, they become 

 absorbed and carried into the circulation, and eventually act upon the 

 nerves as a sedative. They were used by the ancients in intermittents 

 and for worms, but from the uncertainty of their operation, and the 

 risk attending it, we seldom see them administered by modern prac- 

 titioners. They are occasionally used to flavor wines, cordials, &c., 

 but are chiefly valued on account of the fixed oil they contain, which 

 is obtained indiscriminately from the two varieties. 



