386 PROPERTIES AND USES. 



rheumatism ; it is used in dropsy as a diuretic ; it is also 

 used for wounds and contusions. OoniopJilebium attenua- 

 tum and Pleuridium crassifoliwn are also called Calahula, 

 and are considered to possess the same properties as the 

 preceding-, and to be particularly efficacious in syphilis. 



Lastrea Filix-Mas. 



Of all the Ferns celebrated by the ancients for their 

 medicinal virtues, the male Fern ranks the highest, its 

 reputation as a vermifuge having descended from the time 

 of Dioscorides to the present, the part used being the hard 

 woody portion of the caudex, which is either taken in the 

 form of a powder, decoction, or etherial extract. But 

 notwithstanding its ancient celebrity and fame acquired 

 during the latter part of the last century, when it was 

 discovered to form the basis of the Swiss remedy for 

 taenia, the secret of which Louis XVI. purchased of Madame 

 Mouffer for the sum of 18,000 francs, its use is, however, 

 gradually becoming obsolete. 



A Fern called " Filix-Mas " has lately come into repute 

 in Australia and Tasmania as a cure for snake bites. 

 (What Fern is this ?) 



L. athamantica, a Fern found near Port Natal ; it is 

 called Umkomo-komo by the natives, and is used by them 

 as a vermifuge, and its caudex given in the form of a 

 powder, infusion, or electuary, has been proved to be 

 excellent in the cure of tape worm. 



L. fragrans and L. cemula, are two of the few sweet 

 smelling Ferns ; the first is a native of the north temperate 

 zone, used in some countries as a substitute for tea ; the 

 second is a native of Madeira, Azores, and also of Britain ; 

 it has the scent of hay, and on that account has been called 

 L. F&nisecii. 



