ROSACES. 147 
lets 4 to 1 inch long, with a few large equal teeth; stem-leaves 
sessile or very shortly stalked, with the leaflets narrower than those 
of the radical leaves. Stipules palmately cut at the apex, those of 
the upper leaves with a single incision or entire. Flowers 4 to 3 
inch across, bright yellow. Inner calyx-segments lanceolate-trian- 
cular, outer ones strapshaped-elliptical. Achenes kidney-shaped, 
keeled and reticulated when dry, but these markings are not dis- 
cernible in a fresh state. Plant bright green, slightly shining, 
sparingly clothed with adpressed hairs on the leaves, and short 
curled hairs on the stem; peduncles and calyces more hairy. 
I have never seen this form with more than 4 petals. 
Common Tormentil. 
French, Zormentille rampante. German, Tormentillwurz. 
The root of the Tormentil is a very old article of the Materia Medica, but it is 
difficult to assent to the doctrine of Sprengel, that it was the root of the wevragvdXov of 
the Greeks, the description of which by Dioscorides does not correspond with the 
modern Potentilla Tormentilla. It is a very common plant on dry hilly pastures in 
this and other European countries. It has a tuberous root, about the thickness and 
length of the upper joint of the fore finger, tough, woody, and provided with numerous 
radicles. It is deep brownish-red externally, and flesh-red within. Its taste is strongly 
astringent, and it contains more tannin than the best oak bark; indeed, it is said that 
seven pounds of the latter are equal only to one pound of Tormentil roots—they are 
superior to everything but galls and catechu in this respect. The roots are still used 
in some countries for tanning, and, according to Lightfoot, it was largely used in the 
Hebrides, in his time, for this purpose. According to the latest analysis, Tormentil 
roots contain 17 per cent. of tannic acid, a colouring and gummy matter, and a trace 
of volatile oil ; it is not, however, included in the present British Pharmacopeia. It 
is, nevertheless, in constant use in veterinary practice. It is said that sheep are never 
attacked with the rot where the Tormentil grows, and it may possibly have a beneficial 
effect on them. It has been recommended to plant the Tormentil in damp pastures 
where the disease is prevalent among flocks. The gummy matter becomes developed by 
long boiling, and in consequence the roots have sometimes been eaten in times of scarcity. 
In the islands of Tirce and Col the people tore up the pastures so in seeking 
for the roots, that the landowners were compelled to forbid the search for them. In 
Lapland they are used for dyeing skins of a red colour. Mr. Young informs us that 
pigs are fed on them at Killarney. 
Sus-Srecies 11.—Potentilla procumbens. Sibth. 
Prats CCCCXXXI. 
Koch, Syn. Fl. Germ. et Helv. ed. ii. p. 239. Fries, Sum. Veg. Scand. p. 45. Gr, & Godr. 
Fl. de Fr. Vol. I. p. 531. 
P. Tormentilla, var. 6, Bab. Man. Brit. Bot. ed. v. p. 95. Benth. Handbook Brit. FI. 
p- 193. Hook. & Arn. Brit. Fl. ed. viii. p. 131. 
Tormentilla reptans, Zinn. Sp. Pl. p. 716. Sm. Eng. Bot. No. 864. 
Stems procumbent, generally rooting at the nodes in the latter 
part of the season. Stem-leaves ternate or quinate, most of them 
