BOOK III. C II A P. Vlir. 8f9 



a very powerful aftringent in fuch cafes. The root dried, and re- 

 duced to powder, is frequently ufed among the Negroes as a vomit. 

 The dofe from one to two fcruples. To weaken the operation of 

 the root, it may be gently infufed in warm water, which poured 

 off is mildly purgative ; and the root, being afterwards dried and 

 pulverized, will fora-» a more fuitable and lenient cathartic for in- 

 firm or delicate habits. 



i86. Bastard-Cabbage. — Spigelia Fceminea. 



This grows to a confiderable fize. It is reckoned among the bed 

 timber-trees in the ifland ; for which purpofe, it is frequently cut 

 down in all parts of the country. The bark of the female tree is 

 efteemed a very powerful anthelmintic, or deftroyer of worms, and 

 adminiftered either in the powder or dccodion ; but the latter me- 

 thod is preferred, in general, among the white inhabitants, and is 

 thus prepared : 



Take four ounces of the bark, bruife it well in a mortar, and put 

 it in a proper veffel, with two quarts of water, which mufi: be re- 

 duced by boiling to one quart ; then take it off, and let it ftand till 

 it is cool. Strain and bottle it for ufe. It will keep only three or 

 four days. The dofe is, two table-fpoonfuls to children of about 

 two years old, given on an empty flomach, either three mornings 

 fucceilively, or three alternate mornings, according to the child's 

 flrength ; and proportionally for younger, or the more advanced, 

 only not exceeding three fuch fpoonfuls for children under (even 

 years of age. 



With a due attention to the age and habit of the patient, this 

 medicine may be very fafely adminiftered, and will be found to an- 

 fwer the intention mod eiTe6lually. The female tree is not gene- 

 rally known to the Negroes ; but there are feveral among them 

 who are well acquainted with it, and make a profitable bufinefs of 

 gathering and felling the bark, which might be added to the ar- 

 ticles of export, and probably find its way into the praftice of the 

 faculty in Great-Britain, upon their having trial of its virtues. 



187. Bitter -Wood. — Xylopicron. 

 This tree grows in the mountains to a confiderable fize, and rifing 

 to the height of fifty or fixty feet. The wood, bark, and berries, 



5 M 2 have 



