536 STSTE3IATIC BOTANY. 



in all cases where hydrocyanic acid has been used. It is, however, very liable 

 to vary in its strength. It is commonly prepared by the distillation of the leaves 

 with water. C.lvsitanica is the Portugal Laurel of our shrubberies. The 

 kernels of C. occidenlalis and other species are used for flavouring liqueurs, as 

 Noyeaii, Cherry-brandy, Maraschino, &c. A gummy exudation somewhat re- 

 sembling tragacanth takes place more or less from the stems of the different 

 species of Cerasus. 



Sub-Order 3.— llosE^. The Roseae are chiefly remarkable for their astrin- 

 gent properties. 



Rosa. — The various species and varieties of this genus are well known for 

 the beauty of their flowers and for their delicious odours. The fruit (com- 

 monly known under the name of the hip) of K, canina, the Dog-Rose, is em- 

 ployed in medicine as a refrigerant and astringent. The dried petals of the 

 unexpanded flowers of R. gallica constitute the red-rose leaves of the shops. 

 They are used in medicine as mild astringents and tonics. The flowers when 

 full blown are slightly laxative. The petals of R. centifolia, the Hundred- 

 leaved or Cabbage-rose, and of some of its varieties, are remarkable for their 

 fragrancy. Rose water is prepared by distilling the fresh petals with water to 

 which a little spirit of wine has been added. From the petals of R. centifolia, 

 R. moschnta, and R. Damascena, the volatile oil known as Attar or Otto of 

 Roses is obtained. This may be procured either by distillation, or by macer- 

 ating ttie petals in water and exposing the mixture to the sun, when the oil 

 floats out. Heber says, that it requires 20,000 roses to yield attar equal in 

 weight to that of a rupee. This quantity is worth about ten poiuids. It is 

 imported from Smyrna and Constantinople. Otto of Roses is rarely or ever 

 pure when imported into this country. It is commonly adulterated with 

 spermaceti, and a volatile oil which appears to be derived from one or more 

 species oi AndropagoH (see Andropagon), and which is called in London, Oil 

 of Ginger-grass, or Geranium. The petals of R. centifolia are also employed 

 in medicine as a mild laxative. 



Rubus. — Several species of this genus yield edible fruits : thus, the fruit of 

 Ruhus IdcEus is the Raspberry ; x.\\z.K.o{ R.fruticosus, the Blackberry ; that of 

 R. ccesius, the Dewberry ; and that of ii. Chanucmonis, the Cloudberry. The 

 root of R. villosus is much employed as an astringent in some parts of North 

 America. 



Fragaria elatior, vesca, 8(C, furnish the different kinds of Strawberries, 



Potentilla Torment ilia. — The rhizome and root possess astringent and tonic 

 properties. They are employed in the Orkney and Feroe Islands to tan leather ; 

 and in Lapland in the preparation of a red dye. Many other species possess 

 somewhat analogous properties. 



Agrimouin Eupatorin, has been used as a vermifuge and astringent. 



Getim urhnnuni and rivale are reputed to possess aromatic, tonic, and as- 

 trintjent proi)erties. The root of G. urbanum was at one time officinal in the 

 Dul)lln Pharmacopoeia. 



Spircea filipcndula and Vlmaria. — The roots of these plants have tonic pro- 

 pen ies. S. Ulniaria is called Meadow-sweet from the fragrance of its flowers. 

 Seemann says, that in Kamtschatka, a strong liquor is prepared from the root 

 of S. Kamtschnika. 



Gillenia irifoUata and stipuJacea — The roots of both these species are used 

 In the United States as medicinal agents. In small doses they are tonic, and 

 in larger doses emetic. They are commonly known under the names of Indian 

 l)hysic, and American Ipecacuanha. 



Rraycra anthelmintica is a native of Abyssinia. It is called Kosso or 

 Koussoo. 'I'he flowers and other parts of the plant have been long employed 

 by the Abyssinians for their anthelmintic properties. They have been also 

 used of late years in this and other countries for a similar purpose, and in some 

 instances with great success, 



(iuitlaia snponaria. — The bark of this and other species contain a large 

 amount <>( sapimine. It is employed in some parts of America as a substitute 

 fir soap. It has been also much used in this country lately as a detergent, 

 in ca*(K of scurfiness and baldness of the head. 



Siil)-Ordcr 4 — Sangiisohue/K The plants of this sub-order have generally 



aslrinxent properties like the Roseee. 



Alc/ir/iiilla arvensis. Field Ladies' Mantle or Parsley Piert, is astringent and 

 tonic. It is also reputed to be diuretic, and was formerly thought to be useful 

 in gravel and stone : hence it was called break-stone. 



Aricva Sanguisorba — The leaves are used iu New Holland as a substitute 

 for tea. 



