923 



N. 0. ( 



304. Juniperus. Fourteen species ; 21, 16, L. 

 Juniperus Virginianum. Red cedar. Off. 



305. Juniperus sabina. Savine. Off. This and the above are similar 

 in their properties; they are stimulant, emmenagogue, and diaphoretic. 

 The leaves are often resorted to by dissolute females for the purpose 

 of procuring abortion ; but they are feeble agents, and are some- 

 times attended with danger. The principal uses to which they are 

 now applied are the formation of the savine cerate, which is used for 

 keeping up discharges from blistered surfaces. The oil of cedar is 

 considerably used in rheumatic affections ; the timber is the most 

 durable in the world, and admits of a high polish. 



306. Juniperus communis. Juniper. Off. The berries of this 

 species are one of the most useful diuretics. 



307. Taxus. Ten species ; 21, 16, L. 



Taxus Canadensis. Yew tree ; China wood. The leaves of this 

 shrub are said to be poisonous to cattle and sheep. The berries 

 contain sugar, a red fat, malic acid, gum, &c., and an oil which is 

 used in China for lamps. 



308. G-erardia quercifolia. N. 0. Oak-leaved gerardia. Rafi- 

 nesque says this is the specific of the Sioux Indians for the bite of 

 the rattlesnake ; and, likewise, for the toothache. 



CRYPTOGAMIA. 



309. Adiantum pedatum. Maiden hair ; rock fern. The plant 

 is slightly aromatic and astringent. Its active properties reside in 

 a mucilage with this astringent. Its principal use is as a pectoral 

 and expectorant. In the form of syrup, I have often used it with 

 success in chronic coughs. 



310. Aspidium. Twenty-five species in America. 



Aspidium filix mas. Male fern. Sec. This is the celebrated ver- 

 mifuge, destroying tapeworms, of Madam Noeuffer, for which she was 

 liberally rewarded by her native government of Switzerland. It 

 does not answer the high encomiums bestowed upon it. The plant 

 has been used for rickets. 



