SOME DESERT INDIAN LORE 75 



black stain that is used for dyeing the material for 

 baskets. A more sophisticated use for the plant is 

 that of a hair-dye, for which purpose it is mixed 

 with wet clay and plastered on the head, where it is 

 left until dry. 



The common Isocoma acradenia {mah' -cha-wat) 

 is a standard remedy for cold and sore throat, and is 

 used by pouring boiling water on the bruised leaves 

 and inhaling the steam. The leaves after being so 

 used may be applied as a poultice on the forehead. 

 It may be noted that the genus Isocoma is closely 

 akin to another, namely, Solidago, whose etymology 

 tells the curative properties of the genus. 



An odd-looking, not uncommon plant, in appear- 

 ance like a mass of stiff green straws, is Ephedra 

 californica, or desert tea. A decoction of the twigs 

 is of well-recognized benefit in stomach and kidney 

 complaints. Indians, Mexicans, and whites alike are 

 firm believers in its efficacy. It is occasionally found 

 in drug-stores. 



For tobacco the desert Indians had Nicotiana 

 attenuata. It is a true member of the tobacco family, 

 though prospectors, jealous for the honor of Navy 

 plug or Black-jack, name it "coyote tobacco" in 

 contempt. It was used both for smoking and chew- 

 ing. The dried juice of a milkweed, and the gum of 

 one species of oak and of the incense-bush, Encelia 

 farinosa, supplied the primitive chewing gum. Thus 

 it may be proudly claimed that the great American 

 habit is truly national, even aboriginal. It was 

 thought comme it faut to chew flowers of the poppy 

 {Eschscholtzia) with one's gum, a touch of senti- 



