338 FAMILY HERBAL. 



nating in a single and very strong prickle ; the root 

 is Ion?; and thick ; the seeds are winged with down. 



The root and seeds are used. An infusion of 

 the fresh root removes obstructions, and works by 

 urine ; it is good against the jaundice. The seeds 

 beaten up into an emulsion with barley-water are 

 good in pleurisies. The young leaves with the 

 prickles cut off, are excellent boiled in the way of 

 cabbage ; they are very wholesome, and exceed all 

 other greens in taste. 



Thorn Affix. Stramonium. 



A very - beautiful plant, native of warmer 

 climates, but frequent m oar gardens ; we some- 

 times meet with it, as it is called, wild ; but it is no 

 native of our country. Seeds have been scattered 

 from gardens. 



It is three feet high ; the stalk is round, thick, 

 and divided into many branches. The leaves arc 

 very large, oblong, broad, and of a bright green ; 

 divided at the edges, and of a pretty appearance, 

 but a very ill smell. The flowers are very large, 

 and white ; they are hollow, and long ; open, and 

 r.ngulatcd at the brim. The fruit is as big as a 

 large walnut, and is covered with prickles ; the 

 root is very long and thick, white, and of an ill 

 smell. 



The leaves are used externally ; the countrv 

 people lay them upon burns and inflammations ; but 

 this is not always saf?. The root and seeds are 

 "f a sleepy quality ; but they arc not thought safe 

 to be given inwardly. Opium is a less dangeroue 

 medicine, so they are not used. 



