FAMILY HERBAL 65 



binds afterward, &>,>.<} therefore is an excellent medi- 

 cine for those who are of costive habits ; a small 

 dose of it being taken frequently. 



The Cassia Bark. Tree. Cassia lignca. 



THIS is a large spreading tree, frequent in 

 the East Indies, and very much resembling the 

 cinnamon tree in its appearance. The bran- 

 ches are covered with a brownish bark; the 

 leaves are oblong and pointed at the end,, and of 

 a deep green colour, and fragrant smell. The 

 flowers are small, and the fruit resembles that of the 

 cinnamon tree. 



The bark of the branches of this tree is the 

 only part used in medicine ; it is of a reddish brown 

 colour like cinnamon, and resembles it in smell 

 and taste, orly it is fainter in the smell, and less 

 acrid to the taste ; and it leaves a glutinous or 

 mucilaginous matter in the mouth. It is often 

 mixed among cinnamon, and it possesses the same 

 virtues, but in a less degree. However in purgings 

 it is better than cinnamon, because of its mucila- 

 ginous nature. It is an excellent remedy gimi in 

 powder in these cases, and is not so much used as it 

 ought to be. 



The Cassia Carvophythata, or Clove Bars. 



Tree. Cassia caryophythata. 



THIS is a large and beautiful tree, frequent 

 in South America. The trunk is covered with a. 

 dusky bark, the branches with one that is paler 

 coloured and more smooth. The leaves are like: 

 those of our bay-tree, only larger, and when 

 bruised, they have a very fragrant smell the floY'-> 



