920 



buds are balsamic, sudorific, stimulant, and tonic. They form a 

 good ointment for the cure of gout, rheumatism, burns, and diseases 

 of the skin. Internally, they are diuretic, and are used in asthma. 

 The bark yields populine. 



285. Populus balsamifera. Balsam poplar. This plant is similar 

 in its properties to the balsam of copaiba, but, perhaps, more stimu- 

 lating. Its properties reside in the buds of the leaves, which con- 

 tain a great deal of balsam, which yields best to spirit. This spirit- 

 uous balsam is a valuable vulnerary, and is a useful stimulant 

 pectoral. 



N. 0. TEREBINTHINE^E. 



286. Juglans. Eleven species ; 20, 13, L. 



Juglans cathartica. Butternut. Off. The cathartic properties of 

 this useful tree are too well known to need description here. The 

 fruit is the pleasantest of any of the nuts. 



287. Juglans squamosa. Shellbark hickory, and the 



288. Juglans porcina, pignut hickory, possess somewhat similar 

 properties, though in less degree. An infusion of the leaves in 

 water, and washing a horse with them in fly-time, prevents the 

 annoyance of those insects. 



N. 0. CONIFERJE. 20, 16, L. 



289. Larix Americana. Larch ; hackmatack ; tamarick. This 

 is a beautiful tree, resembling the pines ; but the leaves are deciduous 

 in the fall. Its properties are a fine balsam, similar to turpentine; 

 and it is good for wounds, bruises, &c. 



290. Abies. Synonym, Pinus. 



Abies Oanadensis. Hemlock spruce. Off. The bark is astring- 

 ent, and it is used in tanning. A very fine powder of it, sprinkled 

 over excoriated nipples, and other excoriations, is very soothing, 

 and often heals them when other applications fail. The balsam of 

 the hemlock is used in medicine, but it is not collected in great 

 quantities. The essential oil is stimulating, and is much used by 

 the common people in cases of rheumatism, sprains, &c. Fomenta- 

 tions with the leaves and branches relieve local pains and bruises. 



