64 



BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



[blli.. 53 



Specimens of the four herbs used by Main'gans were secured and 

 were identified by Dr. J. N. Rose, Division of Plants, United States 

 National Museum. These herbs are as follows: 



(1) Bi'jikiwilck' ("cattle herb"), the plant from which the medi- 

 cine took its name. This was said to be "a plant a few inches high 

 which grows on the prairie toward the west and is sometimes found in 

 sandy soil. The blossoms appear before the leaves, which are not 

 notched but are round in shape; the root is wliite when dried, and is 

 the only part used in makmg the medicine." The writer asked for a 

 plant in blossom but was given a piece of dried root to which several 

 downy white feathers were fastened (fig. 2). Main'gans said that he 

 was unable to secure a plant in bloom, and that " the cluster of white 

 feathers was the best he could do, they having the same appearance 



as the blossoms, only not 

 so white." The report of 

 Doctor Rose is as follows: 



The root is that of Polygala senega 

 L . , Seneca snake-root. ' ' The bark 

 of the root is the most important 

 part of the plant; the ligneous por- 

 tion is comparatively inert. The 

 root possesses various medicinal \ir- 

 tues. It is a stimulant, diuretic, ex- 

 pectorant, purgative, emetic, and a 

 sudoritic. For many years it was 

 used by the Indians of our country 

 as an antidote against the bite of 

 the rattlesnake. According to their 

 practice, it was appUed externally 

 and internally, either chewed and 

 applied to the wound or in the form 

 of a cataplasm. The Indians also use a decoction of tliis root in sjT)liilis and in 

 malignant sore throat. A decoction of the root has been used with marked success in 

 cases of hydrophobia, with a \iew to its specific or remarkable operation on the 

 apparent seat of tliis malady, the lungs, trachea, and larynx." 



(2) Bi'jiTciwin'gijLck, a plant closely allied to the common sagebrush 

 and identified as '' Artemisia frigid a Willd." 



(3) Bi'jiUwi'hugesa'nug (''cattle plum"), identified as "Astragalus 

 crassicarpus Nutt., or Ground Plum." 



(4) Bi'jikiwi'gimg' ("cattle berry"), identified as "Rosa arlcansana 

 Porter, or Ai'kansas Rose." 



The roots only are used in preparing the medicine; these are 

 washed, scraped, and dried, and then pounded to a powder m which 

 small shreds still remain. The principal ingredi(mt is prepared and 

 kept separate; the other three herbs are pounded together, equal 

 parts of each being used. Main'gans showed the writer his 

 Wjikiwdclc' medicine pouch (pi. 10) which he always carries with him. 



Fig. 2. Dried root of Iji'jikiwflck' with feathers attached . 



