879 



52. Magnolia. At least nine species to be found in the United 

 States ; 13, 13, L. 



Magnolia glauca. Beaver tree, &c. Sec. This species extends 

 throughout the New England States. It is similar in its properties 

 to the Liriodendron, but more bitter and tonic. Dr. Procter found, 

 upon analysis, that the bark of the Magnolia glauca afforded a vola- 

 tile oil, a green resin, and a peculiar crystallizable substance similar 

 to Liriodendron. 



ORDER 14. LAURINE.E. 



53. Laurus. Forty-one species; 9, 1, L. 



Laurus benzoin. Fever-bush ; spice-wood, &c. Sec. Every part 

 of the shrub has an agreeable, spicy taste ; but it is strongest in the 

 bark and berries. It makes an agreeable aromatic drink in infusion 

 or decoction ; and is useful, like sage, in fevers. By some, it is 

 considered vermifuge. It has, also, been used extensively in inter- 

 mittents. The dried and powdered berries were used, during the 

 Revolutionary war, for allspice. The oil of the berries is stimulant, 

 and is used for bruises, itch, colic, &c. The leaves and berries are 

 used in dysentery. Raf. Lindley. 



54. Laurus sassafras. Off. The root of this plant is highly aro- 

 matic and stimulant. The pith is very demulcent, and forms a 

 mucilage which is useful in dysentery, catarrh, and ophthalmia. 



ORDER 24. MALVACE^I. 



55. Althaea. Ten species known; 16, 13, L. 



Althsea officinalis. Mallows. Off. This plant, although ranked 

 among those which are naturalized, is also indigenous in Massa- 

 chusetts. It is very mucilaginous; and Buckholdt states that 

 the dry roots of this plant, boiled in water, give out half their 

 weight of a gummy matter, very similar in its properties to gum 

 tragacanth, gum Arabic, &c., and which will more speedily dissolve 

 gum myrrh and other resins than gum Arabic, starch, &c. It is 

 one of our purest demulcents. 



56. Hibiscus. Sixty-nine species ; 16, 13, L. 



Hibiscus palustris. Marsh hibiscus ; sweet weed. This plant is 

 also demulcent. The hibiscus esculentus is edible, and is considered 

 a delicacy. 



