AVKNS. 37 



filaments aivl-shaped, attached to the calyx ; the anthers glo- 

 bose. The germens are numerous, superior, compressed ; the 

 styles long, hairy, and terminated by simple stigmas. The re- 

 ceptacle is elongated, hairy, and surmounts the persistent reflexed 

 calyx. The pericarps are crowded upon the receptacle ; they 

 are small, unilocular, one-seeded, and each tipped with a rigid 

 purple awn, (the persistent style,) which is curved at the extre- 

 mity. Plate IV. fig. 1. (r/) tjie calyx, stamens and pistils; (h) 

 a single pericarp. 



This plant is frequent in woods and hedges throughout Great 

 Britain in shady situations, and is found inmost parts of Europe* 

 as far north as Sweden. It flowers in June and July. 



The generic name Geum is derived from y^vu, to yield an 

 agreeable JIavour, in allusion to the roots. Hence also the term 

 Caryophyllata from Caryophyllus, a clove. It is called Herb- 

 Bennet, from the name of the patron Saint Benedict ; and 

 Avens, from aveo, to rejoice. Cows, goats, sheep, and swine 

 eat it : horses are not fond of it. 



Qualities and general Uses. — The root dug up in the 

 spring has an aromatic odour, resembling cloves, which is soon 

 lost. The flavour is aromatic, combined with a peculiar bit- 

 terness, and subsequently an astringent taste. The watery in- 

 fusion reddens litmus paper, and strikes a black colour with 

 sulphate of iron. Submitted to analysis, it yields a large quan- 

 tity of mucilage and astringent principle, tannin, aromatic 

 resin, and a portion of muriate of lime. By distillation in 

 water a small portion of heavy volatile oil is obtained. 



The roots of Avens are applied to the following domestic 

 purposes. A small quantity put into ale, gives it a fine flavour 

 and perfume, and prevents it from turning sour. The young 

 leaves are sometimes eaten in salads ; and the roots are used 

 to tan leather, and to dye wool of a permanent dark yellow 

 colour. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — The root of Avens is as- 

 tringent, tonic, and antiseptic, but it is undeservingly neglected 

 in modern practice. It has been highly extolled by some of 

 the continental physicians in the cure of intermittent fevers. 

 An infusion of two drachms of the root * sliced in half a pint 



* The roots should be dug up early in the spring, and those plants should 

 be preferred which grow in dry and warm situations. They are to be dried 

 gradually, then sliced or powdered, aud kept in well stopped vessels. 



