20 ANGKI.ICA. 



at first, and balsamic, followed by a warmth and bitterness 

 which is by no means disagreeable. On wounding the fresh 

 root in the spring, it yields a yellowish, odorous juice, which 

 being slowly dried, proves a valuable gum resin, very rich in 

 the qualities of the plant. 



The leaves and seeds do not long retain their virtues when 

 kept, but the root may be preserved for a considerable time, if 

 thoroughly dried, and well defended from damp. Dr. Lewis 

 suggests to dip the roots, after being dried, in boiling spirit. 

 Rectified spirit extracts the whole of the virtues of the root ; 

 water but very little. 



The Laplanders consider this plant as one of the most import- 

 ant productions of their soil. Linnaeus, in his interesting work 

 before mentioned, informs us that they give different names to 

 the various parts and states of the plant. The root of the first 

 year before the stem has shot up they call urtas. This they 

 extol as the best remedy for preserving health to a remote 

 period. They also masticate the dried root in the place of 

 tobacco. The stem, cut down before the umbels are quite 

 vmfolded, and stripped of its outer rind, is to them an apology 

 for the fruits of more genial climates, and furnishes no incon- 

 siderable part of their food. The Icelanders eat the stem 

 and roots of Angelica raw with butter, and the Norwegians are 

 said to make bread of the roots. 



Cattle in general are fond of this plant, and the milk of cows 

 that feed on it is said to have a peculiar taste and smell. Horses 

 refuse it. 



There is another species, the Angelica sylvestris, or wild 

 Angelica, which^ though much shorter, resembles the preceding 

 in habit and botanical characters, but is greatly inferior in qua- 

 lity. It has been administered, however, by some practitioners 

 with success, in hysterical and epileptic complaints. Tanners 

 have discovered that it has properties analogous to those of oak- 

 bark, and a tincture has been prepared from the leaves which 

 dyes woollen stuffs of a golden yellow colour. Bees obtain 

 a fine honey from its flowers. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — The Angelica is an ex- 

 cellent tonic and carminative, and although it is held in little 

 repute amongst the modern English physicians, it is very highly 

 commended by all the older ones. Etmuller and Sydenham 



