124 NAT. ORDER. PAPAVERACEjE. 



flowers are admired by the florists, the plant is worthy of being in- 

 troduced into our gardens, where it thrives extremely well. 



Propagation and Culture. In the wild state, Sanguinaria can- 

 adensis inhabits a rich, loose soil, on the declivity of hills, and the 

 exposed borders of shady woods. Pursh says it generally delights 

 in fertile soil. A large abundance of it is found in many parts of 

 New Jersey, where the soil is sandy and almost inclining to arid. 



In auspicious seasons, Blood-root flowers in the states of New- 

 York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the last days of March ; 

 and even In the common weather of the spring months, it may al- 

 ways be found in bloom about the first of April. Dr. Thatcher has 

 given the Indian name, as Pauson. After many inquiries I believe 

 this to be incorrect, and a mere corruption of the true aboriginal 

 name, Puccoon, as given at the head of this article. This being a 

 dwarf plant, it should be planted near the front of the flower-border ; 

 it will thrive well in a light sandy loam or peat soil, and it is easily 

 increased by dividing the roots or by seeds. 



Chemical Analysis. From the chemical analysis of Blood-root, 

 made by Dr. Downey, it appears that there is a gum, a resin, and a 

 saponaceous or extractive matter in the root, and that the gum is in 

 the greatest abundance. It results also from the same experiments, 

 that the active principle of the plant chiefly resides in the gum and 

 extractive matter, but especially in the former. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Tliis plant is emetic and purgative 

 in large doses ; and in smaller quantities is stimulant, diaphoretic 

 and expectorant ; but it is principally valued for its emetic power. 

 It is a powerful medicine, and has produced dangerous effects when 

 incautiously administered. Dr. Shoepf mentions the emetic and 

 purgative virtue of the root. Fifteen or twenty grains of the pul- 

 verized root produce powerful emesis ; but the medicine must be 

 given in the form of pills, as the powder creates great irritation of 

 the fauces. A decoction or extract will perhaps answer better. The 

 root of this plant, when exhibited as an emetic, has been found to 



