464 PROPERTIES OP COMPOSITE PLANTS. 



which it is contained, are so irritable at the time of flowering, 

 that, if the surface be touched, the juice is forced out at the point. 

 By proper cultivation, however, the injurious properties may be 

 so far removed from several species of this group, such as the 

 Lettuce, Endive, and Succory, that their fleshy stalks and leaves 

 become wholesome articles of food. The roots, also, have often 

 a considerable tendency to become fleshy, and may be generally 

 eaten without danger. Those of the Succory are much used on 

 the Continent, when roasted, as a substitute for Coffee ; and their 

 powder is very commonly mixed with it, being considered by 

 many persons to improve its flavour. The roots of the Scorzo- 

 nera and Tragopogon are known under the name of Salsafy, and 

 are cultivated for the table in some places to a great extent ; they 

 are said to resemble those of Carrots and Parsnips in flavour. 

 The roots of the Dandelion are used in Germany for the same 

 purpose as those of the Succory ; but in this country they are 

 more employed for medicinal purposes, the extract prepared from 

 them being considered by many as a useful tonic, promoting also 

 the various secretions. In common with many other plants of 

 this tribe, its leaves and stems are believed to be an excellent 

 food for cows, promoting the secretion of milk to a great degree. 



635. In the Cinarocephalce, bitterness predominates ; and the 

 principle to which it is due is generally mixed with gum, which 

 is sometimes yielded by the plants of this group in great abun- 

 dance. This bitterness is not found, however, in the unexpanded 

 leaves, or in the receptacles of the flower-buds ; on which account 

 they may in many cases be used as wholesome articles of food. 

 This is the case with the Cardoon, the Artichoke, and several 

 other species. The roots, also, of many species are edible. The 

 flowers of several species yield a yellow dye, which is most 

 powerful in the Carthamus tinctorius ; this plant is supplied from 

 the Levant, and is often used to adulterate Saffron, as well as to 

 tinge silk and cotton goods. 



636. In the CorymbifercB, the bitterness common to all the 

 Composites, is combined with a resinous principle of stimulating 

 character, which exists, however, in very different proportions in 

 the various species. Few supply articles of food ; almost the only 



