86 - NATURAL AND CIVIL 



a^few years ago ; an Injudicious method of col- 

 lecting, curing and packing it, has greatly in- 

 jured its reputation ; this, with the large quan- 

 tities in which it was exported, have nearly de- 

 stroyed the sale. 



To this account of medicinal plants, it may 

 p.ot be improper to subjoin those, which in their 

 natural state, are found to operate as poisons ; 

 the most of Avhich, by proper preparations, be- 

 come valuable medicines. Of these we have 

 tlie 



Thorn Apple. Datura Siramomiim. 

 Henbane. Hijoscyamus Alger, 

 Nightshade. So/an lun J\\q-ru?n. 

 Ivv. Hedcra Helix, 

 Creepmg Ivy. Rhus Eaclicans. . 

 Swamp Sumach. Rhus Toxicodendrum. 

 Baneberry. Actaa Spicata. 

 White Hellebore. Vcratrum Album. 



In, addition to these, there is a great variety 

 of plants and flowers, the names and -virtues of 

 which, are unknown. Some of our vegetables 

 deserve a particular description, on account of 

 their uncommon properties : Thus, the Bayberry 

 fmyrica cerijeraj is distinguished by a fine j^cr- 

 fume, and a delicate green wax. The Prickly 

 Ash is valuable for its uncommon aromatic pro- 

 perties. The Witch Hazel fhamamelisj is en- 

 dowed wdth the singular property of putting 

 forth its blossoms, after the frost has destroyed 

 its leaves. The Indian Hemp fasclcpiasj may 

 be wrought into a fme, and strong thread. 

 The Silk Grass another species of the asclepias^ 

 contains a line soft down, which may be carded 

 and spun into an excellent wickyarn. The ber- 



