FAMILY HERBAL. 9 



odd one at the end. There grow some large 

 and very beautiful ones from the root ; those on 

 the stalks are smaller. The flowers grow in 

 little umbels or clusters, at the extremities of 

 all the branches. They are small and white. 

 Two seeds follow each flower, and these are 

 striated, small, and of a spicy taste : the plant 

 is distinguished at sight from all the others of its 

 kind, of which there are many, by the slender- 

 ness of its stalks and branches, and the smallness 

 of the umbels ; and more than all by the pecu- 

 liar taste of the seeds, which have a flavour of 

 mace. 



It is proper to be particular, because the plant 

 is worth knowing, Its root is good for all dis- 

 eases of the urinary passages, and the seeds are 

 good in disorders of the stomach and bowels, 

 and also operate by urine. The quantity of 

 a scruple given in (holies often proves an im- 

 mediate cure, and they are a good ingredient in 

 bitters. 



Alkanet. Anchusa. 



Alkanet is a rough plant, of no great beauty, 

 cultivated in France and Germany for the sake of 

 its root. It grows to a foot and half Tiigh : the 

 leaves are large, and of a rough irregular sur- 

 face, and bluish green colour ; the flowers are 

 small and purplish ; the root is long, and of a 

 deep purple. It is kept dried in the shops. It 

 has the credit of an astringent and vulnerary ; 

 but it is little used. The best way of giving of 

 it, is to add half an ounce to a quart of harts- 

 horn drink ; it gives a good colour, and increases 

 the virtue 



