51 



The particular part of the plant used by the drug merchant varies in 

 different cases. Sometimes it is the root or underground stem that is 

 used, in others the leaves, or it may be the bark or the fruit. In the sub- 

 joined list, the particular part used is indicated in each case. 



It has been found by experience that the active principle, to which 

 a drug of vegetable origin owes its value, varies in amount according to 

 the tim€ of year at which it is collected. Hence it is important to collect 

 the plant or part of the plant only within the time specified. 



Roots and underground stems should be collected at the end of the 

 growing period in autumn. Barks may be collected any time during winter, 

 but it is easier to detach them in spring when the sap begins to flow. Leaves 

 and tops are gathered when the plant is in flower. Fruits and seeds are 

 collected when fully ripe. 



In the case of roots or underground parts of plants, these require to 

 be dug up carefully so as not to bruise or break them. They should then 

 be washed gently, and, if large or thick, may be sliced before drying. Roots, 

 leaves, etc., when drs'ing, should not, as a rule, be exposed to direct sun- 

 light and should be protected from rain or heaVy dews at night. 



The prices of drug plants, as in the case of any other commodity, vary 

 greatly and at present are higher than usual. When writing to a drug mer- 

 chant for prices, a sample should be sent at the same time, and an estimate 

 given of the quantity which the collector has at his disposal for sale. 



In the following list, there is a considerable demand for those species 

 marked with an asterisk. The others are sold in smaller quantities: 



I. Plants whose Roots or Underground Stems are Used. 



1. Male Fern (Aspidium filix-Mas Sw.) 



2. Marginal Shield-Fern {A. marginale Sw.) grows in rocky woods. 



3. Couch-Grass or Dog Grass {Agropyron repens Beauv.) is a common 

 weed of cultivated ground. 



4. Skunk Cabbage {Spathyema foetida Raf .) grows in swamps and wet 

 ground. 



5. Sweet Flag (Acorns Calamus L.) grows in swamps. 



*6. American White Hellebore or Indian Poke. (Veratrum vifide 

 Alton.) occurs in swamps and wet woods. 



7. Blue Flag {Iris versicolor L.) grows in marshes and wet meadows. 



*8. Yellow Lady's Slipper or Yellow Moccasin" Flower {Cypripedium 

 parviflorum Salish.) occurs in swampy and boggy places in woods. 



