FLOWEKING SHRUBS 



with lard for an application to chilblains, which had a 

 similar effect to the Indian Bittersweet salve. The Indians 

 also apply this remedy to burns. The inner bark is used 

 as an orange dye by the natives.* 



There are several species belonging to this order found 

 in Canada, but though very ornamental in cultivation as 

 shrubs, none are climbing, like our forest Bittersweet, or give 

 such enduring winter ornaments to our houses. Mixed with 

 the branches of spruce, hemlock, and balsam fir, it forms a 

 substitute at Christmas in our churches for the bright glossy 

 leaves and red berries of the English holly. 



The Greek name of this ornamental shrub is derived from 

 a word meaning " latter season," on account of the fruit 

 remaining persistent through the winter. 



If the Bittersweet were planted in shrubberies, or among 

 trees in plantations, it would become an enduring ornament 

 and enliven the dulness of our Canadian landscape with its 

 bright colors during the long months of winter. 



LABRADOR TEA. Ledum latifolium (Ait.). 



This is another of our medicinal shrubs, and was held in 

 great repute among the lumbermen and the old backwoods- 

 men for its sanatory qualities as a strengthener and purifier 

 of the blood, and as being good for the system in various 

 inward complaints. Some of the old settlers used a decoc- 

 tion of the leaves as a substitute for tea, approving of the 

 resinous aromatic flavor. I was induced to try the beverage, 

 but did not find it to my taste, though it was on the whole 

 preferable to hemlock tea, another favorite beverage among 

 backwoodsmen. As a medicine it doubtless deserves the com- 



* The name Bittersweet is taken from the graceful English climber Solanum dulcamara 

 (L.), from a fancied resemblance between the two plants. The English Bittersweet is 

 sometimes found in Canada on the borders of swamps and in low woods, but is an intro- 

 duced plant. 



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