71 TKIGONELLA FCENUM-GKJECUM 



out the whole of their odour and taste to alcohol ; and form when 

 boiled with water a thick slimy mucilage. 



The seeds are chiefly exported to Europe, from Egypt and 

 India, where they are produced on a large scale. In Egypt, 

 fenugreek is known by the Arabic name ILelbeh, and in India 

 under the Sanskrit name of Methi. 



The principal constituents of the seeds are about 28 per cent, 

 of mucilage, which is contained in the tissue investing the 

 embryo ; 6 per cent, of a slightly bitter foetid fatty oil ; a little 

 tannic acid ; and a yellow colouring matter. The seeds yielded to 

 Jahns, from experiments performed in Dr. Fliickiger's laboratory, 

 3'4 per cent, of nitrogen, equivalent to 22 per cent, of albumin. 

 The nature of the odorous principle is unknown. 



Medical Properties and Uses. The use of fenugreek as a medi- 

 cinal agent is now obsolete in Europe and the United States ; but in 

 India the seeds are largely employed by the natives, both as food 

 and medicine ; whilst the fresh plant is consumed as a vegetable. 

 In Alexandria also the seedlings are eaten as a great delicacy. 



Formerly the seeds were employed in the preparation of emol- 

 lient cataplasms, fomentations, and enemata ; but were never given 

 internally. The powdered seeds are still used in this country and 

 elsewhere in veterinary practice as an ingredient of curry 

 powder ; and for flavouring, &c., the patent so-called con- 

 centrated Cattle Foods. They are also said to be employed 

 to render damaged hay palatable. 



Woodville's Med. Bot. (1793), vol. iii, p. 438; Miller's Gard. 

 Diet., vol. ii, part 2 ; Gerarde's Herball., by Johnson (1636), 

 p. 1196 ; Lindley & Moore's Treasury of Botany (1866), part 2, 

 p. 1170; Pharmacographia, p. 150; Jackson, in Gardeners' 

 Chronicle, July 29, 1876. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE. 



Drawn from a specimen in Kew Gardens, flowering in July. 1. Upper part 

 of the plant. 2, 3. Standard. 4. Wing. 5. Keel of corolla. 6. Section of 

 calyx and ovary. 7. Staminal sheath spread open. 8. Ripe pod. 9, 10. Seed. 

 11. Vertical, and 12. Transverse section of the same. 13. Embryo. (2-7, 

 11, 12 enlarged.) 



