42 NAT. ORDER. DUMOSE^. 



earth ; but the seeds which are put into the ground in the autimm will 

 many of them come u^i the following spring, while those which are 

 kept longer out of the ground, often remain a whole year before the 

 plants appear, as in Holly, Hawthorn and some others. The seeds 

 may be forwarded in their growth by means of a hot-bed. '\Micn the 

 plants have sufficient strength they should be planted out, some in 

 nurseiy-rows and others in pots. They delight in a moist soil and a 

 shady situation. In hot land they make progress, and rarely produce 

 any fruit. They are very ornamental, and afford variety in the plea- 

 sure-grounds and among potted plants. 



3Itdkal Properties and Uses. "Prinos verticillatus, is perhaps, as 

 well known among country physicians (called black alder) as any in- 

 digenous medicinal plant of die United States. It is universally and 

 justly celebrated. Shoeff" first publicly noticed its virtues. He says 

 it is an antiseptic, and is used in gangrene and jaundice. This is all 

 he has on the subject; and the verity of his observation is proved by 

 the fact, that at this time it is successfully employed by country prac- 

 titioners and others, as an antiseptic in cases of foul ulcers and morti- 

 fication. The bark is astringent, bitter, pungent and not very disagree- 

 able. Tlie first of these virtues has probably led to its use in diarrhoea, 

 which disease it is highly recommended in curing. It has been, and 

 continues to be much used, and efficaciously, instead of Peruvian bark, 

 in intermittent fevers and other complaints. Incases of great debility, 

 unattended by fever, it has been highly extolled ; and both its sensible 

 properties, and well-known effects, render it probable that its reputa- 

 tion in such cases is merited. It has also been used and praised, as a 

 corroborant in anasaca and general dropsy ; and as an antiseptic and 

 tonic in cases of incipient gangi'ene. In these cases it is given inter- 

 nally, and employed at the same time externally as a wash. The 

 berries participate in all the virtues already enumerated, as appertaining 

 to the bark ; and brandy infusions or tinctures made of them, are of 

 general use in Uie country, in all cases where bitter tinctures are indi- 

 cated. Country practitioners combine the bark \vith the root of sassa- 



