29^ EXTRACTS FROM 



lour ; the small yellow blossoms grow thickly in a spike ; the 

 pods are small, and the seeds resemble in form others of this- 

 genus. I suppose it to have similar virtues with other mal- 

 vaceous plants. 



The bark makes strong white hemp. 



DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. 



118. Erythrina corallodendron, L. — Bean Tree, 



The bean-tree is cultivated in gardens, and is as tall as a 

 cherry-tree : as it is shady, and of quick growth, it is likewise 

 planted around ponds, to prevent the evaporation of the water 

 by the rays of the sun ; the trunk and branches are knotty and 

 prickly ; the leaves are broad, and of a lively green. In 

 May and June the tree is full of beautiful red blossoms ; the 

 pods and seeds very small. 



Bean-trees are of speedy growth, and chiefly planted for 

 ornament. We are strangers to their medicinal virtues. 



119. Hedysarum canescen9, L. — Fever Weed. 



We find this plant in fences or thickets, either creeping on 

 the ground, or supported by bushes. The leaves are of a 

 light green colour ; the blossoms are pale red, and grow in a 

 spike : the pods are jointed, and feel rough ; they stick to 

 people's clothes : the seeds are flat. 



A tea made of the leaves is said to be diaphoretic, and su- 

 dorific ; it is given in colds and slight fevers by the lower 

 sort of people here. 



