On the Use of the Veronica Peregrina. 25 



sened, but did not entirely disappear. The ensuing 

 spring the swelling again enlarged, and an abscess was 

 formed, which discharged a thin fluid resembling whey, 

 and at times a thicker substance like curd. Medical ad- 

 vice had been followed without benefit. In this situa- 

 tion a Mrs. Emsley (formerly Bran) stopped at the 

 house and called the complaint the King's- Evil. She 

 advised the use of a plant which had been successful 

 with her in the cure of it. This plant has since been 

 called Neckweed by them. It is the Speedwell ; and is 

 gathered when in blossom, the latter part of May or be- 

 ginning of June, about cultivated grounds. It was 

 used by this lady in the following manner : In brewing 

 small- beer, a large handful of the plant was laid on the 

 top of a gallon of it, when put to work. This was his 

 common drink, to the quantity of a bottle a day. With 

 this drink alone, and without any external application 

 except simple cerate, the ulcer began soon to heal, and 

 was completely so in the early part of the winter. The 

 beer was continued the two succeeding summers, when 

 a small increase in the tumour had taken place, after 

 which time the disease quite disappeared. Since the 

 above period, this lady has recommended the plant, in 

 all cases that have had a like appearance, which has uni- 

 formly been successful, and she continues to have fre- 

 quent applications for the remedy. 



It is sometimes made a tea of, but she appears to pre- 

 fer its being used in the beer, as before mentioned. 



I am, &c, 

 December 14, 1807. James Glen. 



toi.. III. part i. n 



