FAMILY HERBAL. 331 



leaves, Willi an odd one at the end ; these are singly, 

 blong, and of a dark green, and serrated at the 

 edges. The flowers are white ; they grow in very 

 large, thick, and long clusters, and are succeeded 

 hy flat seeds, hairy and roundish and of an austere 

 astringent taste. There are several other kinds of 

 sumach in the gardens of curious people, some of 

 them much more beautiful, hut this is the kind that 

 is to he preferred for its medicinal virtues. 



The seeds, dried and powdered, stop purgings, 

 and the overflowings of ihe menses. The fresh 

 tops have also great effect in strengthening the sto- 

 mach and bowels ; they are best taken in infusion. 

 The hark of the root has the same virtue ; but the 

 seeds have it in the greatest degree. 



S wallow-wort. Asclepias. 



A common plant in gardens, but native of 

 the warmer climates. It is two feet high. The 

 stalks are round, slender, of a dark colour, and 

 jointed ; the leaves are large and longish, and of 

 a deep green; they stand two at each joint, The 

 flowers are small and white, and each is succeeded 

 by two pods growing together ; the root is fibrous 

 and spreading. 



The root is used ; an infusion of it fresh is good 

 against the jaundice ; it works by urine and opens 

 obstructions. Dried and given in powder, it ope- 

 rate; } sweat, and is good in fevers . 



'iAC.VM.niie Tree. Tacamahdca 



A large a,w! beautiful tree, native of the 

 East, and of America. It is fifty or sixty fee* 



