MILLER: THE PROPAGATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS 109 
III 
It is sometimes possible to locate individuals in different 
countries who have become interested in the collection of rare 
seeds and plants. Such sources are extremely questionable. 
While some individuals can furnish much good material, there 
are others who, though expressing much interest, cannot be 
depended upon to supply the proper species. Numerous instances 
of this have been recorded, an example of which may be noted 
where an enthusiastic druggist of Texas supplied fine specimens 
of Monarda for henbane, which he claimed was growing luxuriantly 
in his section of the state. 
Local drug collectors may be considered here rather than with 
crude drug merchants. More strictly speaking, they are a class 
by themselves with many peculiarities and limitations. They are 
mostly illiterate persons, who take instructions poorly and dis- 
regard them when once in the field. A close personal association 
with many of them has revealed the fact that they are only capable 
of accurately identifying a very small number of medicinal plants. 
These usually occur among the monotypic genera and, when two 
or more closely related species are in question, are usually collected 
indiscriminately. One of the most intelligent collectors observed 
repeatedly brought in specimens of various species of Asclepias, 
upon requests and instructions for Apocynum cannabinum and 
A pocynum androsaemifolium. Apocynum cannabinum when finally 
located was supplied upon requests for both of the two species. 
Only recently a negro quack, who is held in high repute by the 
colored element of a considerable section, supplied Apocynum 
androsaemifolium upon request for Leptandra virginica. Another 
form supplied for Asclepias tuberosa will have to be grown to 
maturity before it can be identified. One collector was shown 
potted specimens of golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis), and stone 
root (Collinsonia canadensis), and failed to recognize either of 
them. Twin leaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) is repeatedly offered by 
local dealers for genuine golden seal. Both the leaf and root 
Structures of these forms are quite distinct. 
IV 
In so far as their collections will permit, the botanical gardens 
and other similar institutions are of great value in supplying 
