.38 HISTORY OF BrilTISII TERNS. 



of many Ferns, they arc reckoned pectoral and lenitive ; 

 and both the native Adiantum Cajnllus-Veneris, and the 

 American Adiantum pedatum, are thus employed in the 

 form of Ccqnllaire, which is prepared from them by pour- 

 ing boiling syrup over the fronds, and flavouring it vritli 

 orange flowers ; this preparation is considered undoubtedly 

 pectoral, though if too strong it is said to be emetic. 

 Other species of Adiantum, as well as some Polvpodiians, 

 Acrostichums, and NothocJilcvnas, are reported to possess 

 medicinal properties. Pohipodium Calaguala has an oily 

 disagreeable taste, but in South America is highly valued 

 for its alterative properties. The common Adders-tongue 

 is gathered by country-people for the preparation of ad- 

 ders-spear ointment, which is a popular remedy for recent 

 wounds. 



Both the common Bracken and the jMale Fern abound 

 in alkali, and are applied to various economic uses, as the 

 manufacture of soap and glass, the dressing of leather, &c. 

 These species have also been used in the preparation of 

 beer ; and the Aspidium franrans has been employed as a 

 substitute for tea. 



The bruised leaves of Anrjiopteris evecta and Pohjpo- 

 dium phjmatodes are said to yield an aromatic oil, em- 



