^ 



XX 



PREFACE. 



I 



the gum, the bark and roots of this tree, which is fo very aflringent, 

 may be applied, is unknown. The virtues of the Magnolia and fpice- 

 wood arc not fufficiently afcertained, though they have been ufed, 

 and found to be excellent remedies in fome diforders. There is a 

 tree called the Xantholixum, that grows in Maryland^ Virginia and 

 both the Caroiinas, the bark of which is of fuch a particular qua- 

 lity, that the fmalleft bit of it, on being chewed, ftimulates the 

 glands of the mouth and tongue, and caufes a How of faliva equal to 

 that of a iliglit falivation, while its a^lion continues. No rational 

 experiments have yet been luade to find out its virtues andufes. A 

 mimber of other trees nii'^ht be mentioned, fuch as the faflafrafs, the 





wild cinnamon, the magnolia altiilima-, the fragrant fmell and aro- 

 matic tafle of M'liich prove that they have medicinal qualities, though 

 their ufes are not fully known. The fumach likevvife deferves exa- 

 mination. Its feed or berries, if not the wood itfelf, might be ufed 

 in dying. The Indians mix its leaves with their tobacco, and there- 

 by render it more aromatic and agreeable iti fmoking. There is a 

 fpecies of it which yields a gum that nearly if not exaftly relemblcs 

 the Gum CopaL Indeed there is reafon to believe it is the very 



fame . 



Our wines and raiiins are imported from foreign countries 5 while 



nature points out, that there cannot be a country more proper than 



this is for producing the grape. Before our lands were cleared, and 



fo many of the grape vines extirpated, foreigners who vifucd this 

 country, could not help obferving and admiring the quantity that, 

 like native vineyards, prefented themfelves to their view. And even 

 now our hills, vales and level land abound with them* They grow 

 in every foily are fuited to every climate, and without cultivation, 

 pour forth their fruits in abundance; many of them rich add luf- 

 cious to the tafte. It is not a little furprifing therefore, that the 

 culture of the grape was not among the firft of our Improvements. 

 Confidering the great variety of vines we have on this continent, it 

 3s not to be doubted that, with a little care and induflry, America 

 might produce wine fufHcient, not only for home confumption, but 

 even for exportation; and, confidering the richnefs of many of our 

 grapes, in their prefent wild, uncultivated ftate, and the improve- 

 ment they mult receive from culture, there is reafon to hope that, in 



time, our wine may be much efteemed. 



It would be endlefs to recount all our plants, roots and herbs; 

 many of which, though now negkaed, might, with a little care and 

 attention, become articles of commerce, and be of great ufe to our 



country. It is found from experience that flaxfecd, by reafon of 



the 



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