CALTCIFLOR^. 527 



tops in small doses are diuretic and laxative, and in large doses purpative and 

 emetic. They appear to owe their properties to a peculiar alkaloid discovered 

 by Dr. Stenhouse, and called hy him Spartiine. Saroikamnus junceus, the 

 Spanish Broom, has similar properties. 



Melilotus officinalis. — The flowers and seeds of this and other species possess 

 a peculiar tragrancy, which is due to the presence of Cor/marine. They are 

 used to give the flavour to Gruyere and other kinds of Cneese. 



Genista tirictoria, the Dyer's Broom, yields a good yellow dye, or when 

 mixed with Woad (Isntis lincloria). a green. (See p. 453.) 



Trigonella Fcenum Grcecutn, — The seeds of this plant are used in veteri- 

 nary medicine under the name of Fenugreek. 



hiritgofera tincturia, coendea, and probably some other species, when sub- 

 jected to a peculiar process yield commercial indigo, one of the most im- 

 portant of dyeing materials, and of which nearly 4' 00 tons are annually im- 

 ported into this country. It is very poisonous, but in proper doses it has 

 been employed in epilepsy and erysipelas, but its value in such diseases is by 

 no means well established. 



Psoralea g/ and ulosa.— The leaves are used in Chili as a substitute for 

 Paraguay tea. 



Glycyrrhiza glabra. Common Liquorice The roots or under-ground stems 



of this plant, as well as those of other species, particularly G. echinata and 

 glandiihfera, possess a remarkably sweet taste, which is due to the presence 

 of an uncrystallizable sugar which is not susceptible of vinous feimentation, 

 and to which the names of Glt/cyrrkizin, Glycion, or Liquorice sugar, have 

 been given. Extract of liquorice root is imported in very large quantities 

 into this country under the name ot liquorice juice, or Spanish or Italian 

 juice from the countries whence it is obtained. The Spanish juice is prepared 

 from G. glabra; the Italian juii e from G. echinata. The root and the extract 

 of liquorice are employed in medicine as flavouring substances, and for their 

 demulcent and emollient properties. Various preparations of liquorice are 

 commonly kept in the shops, and sold under the names of pipe liquorice, 

 Ponfrfract lozenges, extract of liquorice, Solazzi juice, %c. 



Tephrosia ApoUinea and toxicaria are used in Alrica for the preparation of 

 a blue dye resembling indigo. S-veral species of Tephrosia, particularly T. 

 toxicaria are used as fish poisons. They stupify the fish which are then 

 readily taken by thp hand. It has been thought by some, that T. toxicaria 

 would act on the hinn^n system like D gitalis, and hence might be used as a 

 substitute for it in those parts of the world where that is not a native. 

 The leaflets of T. ApoUinea are sometimes empl yed in Egypt to adulterate 

 Alexandrian Senna. They m ly be readily distmguished from Senna leaflets 

 by their silky or silvery appearance, and by being equal. sided at the base 



Robinia Pseud-acacia is the Locust tree. It is frequently cultivated in 

 Britain, on account of its flowers and its hard and durable wood. 



Colutta arburescens. Bladder- Senna. — The leaflets of this plant have been 

 used on the continent to adulterate Alexandrian Senna. They are at once 

 distinguished from it by their regularity at the base. 



Astragalus verus, gummifer, Creiicus, and other species, furnish Gum 

 Tragacanth. or as it is fi equt-ntly termed in the shops— ^«7« dragon. It is used 

 by our manufacturers for stiflTening ci ape, &c. ; in medicine it is employed for 

 its demulcent and emollient properties, and as a vehicle lor the exhibition of 

 more active substances. Tragacanth exudes naturally, or from wounds made 

 in the st^ms of the above mentioned plants. The seeds of A. bceticus are used 

 as a substitute for coffee in some parts of Germany. 



Orobus tuberosum — The roots are occasionally eaten in the Highlands of 

 Scotland, and in Holland 



Arachis hypogcea. — This plant is remarkable for ripening its legumes 

 under the surface of the ground, hence it is commonly known under the 

 name of Ground Kut. The seeds are used as food in various parts of the 

 world, and are occasionally roasted and served up in the same manner as 

 Chestnuts, as an article of dessert in this country. They yield by expression a 

 fixed oil, which is employed very extensively in India for cooking, &c., where 

 it is called Katchnng Oil. The oil is also occasionally imported into this 

 country, or it is obtained here by expression from the seeds. It is a very liquid 

 oil, and is accordingly much employed for watches and other delicate machi- 

 nery ; also for burning and other purposes. 



Coronilla Emerus has cathartic leaves. They have been used to adulterate 



