140 



but it could be made superior to the common 

 brandies, imported from France, were it en- 

 couraged, and certain restrictions taken from 

 the distiller. 



The black currants, which were formerly 

 called squinancy berries, on account of their 

 great use in quinsies, are natives of Sweden 

 and the northern parts of Russia, as well as 

 the northern counties of England, where 

 they have been found in their natural state, 

 growing in alder swamps, and in wet hedges 

 by the banks of rivers. In some parts of 

 Siberia, the black currants are said to grow 

 to the size of hazel-nuts. The inhabitants 

 of that country make a drink of the leaves : 

 in Russia a wine is made of the black cur- 

 rants; and it is also made in some parts of 

 England. 



The jelly made from these currants is 

 recommended in most complaints of the 

 throat : they are also esteemed cleansing, pel- 

 lent, and diuretic : an infusion of the roots is 

 useful in fevers of the eruptive kind. 



The inner bark of all the species of the 

 currant tree, boiled in water, is a popular 

 remedy in jaundice ; and some medical 

 men have recommended it in dropsical com- 

 plaints. 



The currant-tree that was brought from 



