PLANTS USEFUL AND POISONOUS. Ill 



The Brinvilliers, and the inner bark of the Angelim (Andira 

 inermis), are powerful, but rather dangerous anthelmintics, as 

 they have a strong stupefactive action on the brain. The 

 Worm-bush (Qhenopodium ambrosioides) , and the Liane-a-1'ail 

 (JBignonia alliacea), are excellent and safe vermifuges. Some 

 persons are prejudiced against the administering of the Cow- 

 hage (Mucuna) as an anthelmintic : I have, however, pre- 

 scribed it on several occasions, not only without the slightest ill 

 effect or inconvenience, but with remarkable success. I even 

 urged it as the best remedy against Lumbrici. It ought to 

 be given either in thick syrup, in honey, or well enveloped in 

 some soft substance. 



The action and uses of Balsam Capivi are too well known to 

 require any comment : the Liane-paques (Securidaca) , Lignum- 

 vitee, and the roots of the Agave, are administered as anti- 

 venereals ; and I have invariably found the root Pareira-brava 

 (Cissampelos) valuable in chronic inflammation of the urinary 

 organs. 



Some of the above plants, viz., the Guaco, Secua, Grand- 

 trefle, as also the musk Ochro (Hibiscus Abelmoschus) , and the 

 roots of the Manaco, are regarded as excellent antidotes to the 

 bite of serpents and venomous insects, such as scorpions, spiders, 

 and centipedes. They are generally given in some spirit ; but, 

 under pressure of necessity, they may be bruised, and the simple 

 juice taken as in the case of the Guaco and Manaco the resi- 

 duum being applied to the wound ; or the seeds can be masticated 

 arid swallowed, as is practised with the Musk-ochro and Secua. 

 There are, in addition to those already mentioned, many other 

 plants successfully employed in like circumstances ; even Lime- 

 juice, both internally and externally, is highly beneficial. 



The juice of the root of Yuquilla is an excellent remedy for 

 the cure of chronic ophthalmia ; but when used in the acute stage, 

 increases the inflammation : it is the Bignonia oplitlialmica of Dr. 

 Chisholm. Carapa-oil used in friction is an infallible cure for 

 ticks. 



The indigenous trees and plants hitherto enumerated, and of 

 which I now close the catalogue, are those which are ordinarily 

 used in building, in mill, wheel, and cabinet works, as also for 

 medicinal and other purposes. Some of them are met with 

 almost everywhere, and in great abundance ; others, as I have 



