72 The Natural Historg 



forth small Berries, somewhat long, which are unpleasant to 

 the Taste, 'till they have lain by for some time, then they be- 

 come soft and mellow; they are in taste and operation like 

 the Medlar, but seldom made use of but by the Indians, the 

 Planters not regarding them: The Leaves are astringent, 

 and stop Fluxes, and the Fruit is cooling, drying, and bind- 

 ing, (especially when they arc hard, and not altogether ripe) 

 they stop Fluxes in the Belly, and all other kind of Fluxes ; 

 they Strengthen the Stomach, stop vomiting, and outwardly 

 heal Wounds, being dry'd and made into Powder. 



The Birch Tree is plentiful in this Province, but gen- 

 erally towards the Freshes on the Banks and Heads of the 

 Rivers, but never near the Salt Water; it differs something 

 in the Bark from the European Birch, and the Leaves are 

 sharper and smaller; it buds in April, and the Paraheetoes 

 come from all Parts to feed on them at that Season. Where 

 this Wood grows there are no Plantations ; the Leaves are 

 cleansing, disolve and purge watry Humours, help Dropsies 

 and Stone in the Bladder, the Ashes of the Bark is effectual 

 to heal sore Mouths, and take away Scabs. The Mushrooms 

 are binding and cure the Piles, the Tears are pleasant to 

 drink and quench Thirst. 



The Alder Tree grows in wet low Grounds near the Freshes 

 and heads of the Rivers, but is not common amongst the Plan- 

 ters, or near the Salt-Water; this Tree is so well known 

 amongst us, that it would be needless to describe it. The 

 Bark and Twigs are much used by the Planters in dying Wool 

 and Cloatli black ; the Wood is soft, but durable and lasting 

 in the Ground or Water, makes good Piles, and other Neces- 

 saries, the Leaves and Bark are cooling and binding, and used 

 in hot Swellings or Ulcers in the Body. 



The 



