NAT. ORDER. RHEXIE.G. 83 



pots, which is sometimes the case, they must be planted in peat 

 soil. They are all increased very rapidly by dividing the roots. 



Medical Properties and Uses. A slight degree of astringency is 

 the prevailing character of the order, which is, although one of the 

 most extensively known, entirely destitute of any unwholesome 

 species. The succulent fruit of many is eatable, some of which dye 

 the mouth black, whence the name Melastoma. One of the varieties 

 produces a fruit which is eatable, and very pleasant, and found iu 

 great abundance in the woods of Guinea. 



In some parts of Guinea this plant is held in great esteem as a 

 specific for diseases of the bowels, such as dysenteria, diarrhoea, 

 colic, cholera-morbus, and in all cases where astringents are required. 

 It is sometimes given in connection with other astringents, and stim- 

 ulants combined in suitable proportion. We are informed by a cor- 

 respondent, a gentleman of undoubted veracity, who says, " I have 

 used the decoction of the bark of the root, for bowel and summer 

 complaints, and seldom ever find it fail to effect the purposes for 

 which it is given. In cases of dysenteria or looseness of the bowels, 

 I consider it as one of the best remedies known." The decoction is 

 prepared by adding two ounces of the dried bark taken from the 

 root, to one quart of water: steep this down to one pint and-a-half: 

 then add sufficient good brandy to preserve it from souring. The 

 dose of this is from half to a full wine-glassful, according to the ur- 

 gency of the case : repeat several times a day. An extract is some- 

 times prepared, but in its preparation it is very much injured by too 

 long being exposed to heat ; it being somewhat volatile. 



