534 



DRUGS 



The plant responds to cultivation under conditions similar to those 

 of its native habitat. A loose loamy or humous soil suits it best. 

 As the roots penetrate the ground deeply, the soil should be 

 trenched to a depth of about 2\ ft. LAWSOX, late Government 

 Botanist, Madras, found that "a healthy plant will yield ten to 

 twelve good roots of the necessary quality, these when dried weigh- 

 ing from 3 to 4 ounces." PROUDLOCK estimated from experiments 



IPECACUANHA. PsVCotn'tl IpCCiU'lUllllltl. 



made at Ootacamund, in a hot-house, that 2\ ox. of the dried 

 root could be obtained per square yard per annum, or 625 Ib. 

 per acre, the plants being planted in raised beds. The Ipecacuanha 

 plant has been introduced into Ceylon in 1866, and thrives both in 

 Peradeniya and Heneratgoda Gardens, more especially at the latter, 

 under the shade of trees, in well drained humous soil. It is 

 best propagated by cuttings or division. The plant is grown 



