HAMODORACES. . 705 
is obtained. It is employed for textile fabrics and for paper-making. The 
juice of the leaves of Agave americana and other species just before flowering 
contains much sugar and mucilage, and when fermented vields a vinous acid 
beverage called Pulque, which is highly esteemed by the Mexicans. It has 
an odour something like putrid meat. A very intoxicating spirit or brandy 
may be also obtained from pulque. To this spirit the name of mexical or 
uguardiente de maguey has been given. The unfermented juice is called 
Aguamiel or honeywater. It is regarded as useful for the prevention of scurvy. 
Its roots are reputed to possess alterative and diuretic properties. The leaves 
from the heart of A. Utahense and other species of Agave are cooked by the 
Pah-Utes, and form a very nourishing and palatable food. ; 
Alstremeria pallida and some other species have succulent roots contain- 
ing much starch, which, when extracted, is used as a kind of Arrowroot in 
certain parts of South America. 
Crinum asiaticum, var. toxicarium of Herbert.—The fresh root (or more 
properly bulb) is official in the Pharmacopeeia of India. It possesses emetic 
and diaphoretic properties, and its therapeutic uses are said to be analogous 
to those of Squill. The dried root has similar qualities, but it is not so 
powerful in its action. 
Fie. 1064. Fic. 1065. 
Fig. 1064. Vertical section 
of the flower of the Spring 
Snowflake ( Lewcoium ver- 
NUM ). Fig. 1065. Ver- 
tical section of the seed of 
the same. 
Curculigo.—The roots of Curculiyo orchioides are used in Travancore by 
the native doctors in gonorrhea, menorrhagia, and other affections. 
Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus.—F rom the bulbs of this plant A. W. Gerrard 
has obtained a crystalline neutral principle and an amorphous alkaloid, the 
latter of which he has named pseudo-narcissine. This alkaloid was found to 
produce profuse salivation, vomiting, and slight diarrhoea, when given 
hypodermically to warm-blooded animals. 
Order 3. HamoporacE®, the Blood-root Order.—Charac- 
ter.—Herbs or rarely shrubs, with fibrous roots. Leares usually 
equitant, ensiform. Perianth more or less superior, tubular, 6- 
partite, regular, the divisions usually scurfy or woolly on their 
outside. Stamens 3 or 6, when 3 they are opposite the inner 
segments of the perianth ; aithers introrse. Ovary inferior, or 
partially so, 3-celled. Fruit dehiscent or indehiscent, covered 
by the withered perianth. Seeds few or numerous, with carti- 
laginous albumen, and radicle remote from the hilum. 
Distribution and Nwmbers.—Natives of America, the Cape 
of Good Hope, and Australia. Illustrative Genera :—Hemo- 
dorum, Smith, Vellozia, Mart. There are about 50 species. 
Properties and Uses.—The roots of some species are used as 
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