208 JOURNAL OF THE TRINIDAD 



Halbert weed. Nenroloena lobata R. Br. 



Herbs a piques (fr.) Conisa de hojas lobadas (sp.) 



Geurit tout (fr.) Pluchea odorata Cass. Conisa oleroso (sp.) 



P. purpurescens D.C. 



Conyse purpree (fr.) Salvia colorada (sp.) 



The Halbert weed as well as the two latter plants, have 

 the same tonic properties as th ; real sages and may bj used in 

 the same manner and cirei; . Barham classes Halbert 



weed as "a most noble wound herb" and recommends it 

 outwardly for application to sores and ulcers, and the decoction 

 inwardly to act on the kidneys ami t<> stop fluxes. 



Halbert weed has a bitter and aromatic flavor similar to 

 and almost as strong as that of Gentian in place of which it may 

 be used. It may be employed with advantage in tier 

 affections, chlorosis, and in want of teed by inter- 



mittents. A decoction of half to one handful of the Leaves and 

 flowering summits (before the flowers open) in a quartof water is 

 given between the attacks in cases of mild fever. (De G.) Two 

 leaves macerated in a bottle of strong rum make a valuable 

 stomatic bitter, and locally a liqueur glassful 3 times a day 

 is accounted a good remedy in Dysentery and Diarrhoea. 



Flea bane. Veronia Arboresenes Sw. 



According to Pi so, the bruised leaves are good against 

 pains and inflammation of the eyes, and that the aromatic leaves 

 are good in baths, and to put amongst clothes to keep away 

 moths. 



Golden Cudweed. Ptercaulon virgatum D.C. 



" The whole plant is drying and restringent which makes it 

 good against all sorts of fluxes, catarrhs, quinsies and ulcers." 

 (Barham). 



Rolandra Ayentea Rottb. Zerbe equilles (fr. Trd.) 



The whole plant is very bitter, and an infusion of half a 



handful of it to one quarter of rum is used as a stomatic tonic. 



Lettuce. Lcctuca sativa L. 



Laitue cultive (fr.) Lechuga de hortaleza (sp.) 



This well known salad vegetable has long been celebrated 

 for its cooling and wholesome properties. A mild sedative drug 

 called " Lactuary" is prepared in Europe from the milky juice 

 of the flower stalks of some varieties. A transparent sweet oil 

 is said to be extracted from the seed in India. 



