WILD FLOWERS PINK 
brownish, fleshy rootstock has a puckery taste, strongly 
suggesting that of alum, and for this reason it is known 
as Alum Root. It is considered one of our most desir- 
able astringents, and owing to its lack of bitterness, 
it is especially adapted for infants and for persons 
having very delicate stomachs. It is a popular do- 
Mestic remedy, and is said to have been used by the 
Indians. It is found more or less commonly from 
Newfoundland and Manitoba, south to Georgia, Ala- 
bama, and Missouri. 
HERB ROBERT. RED ROBIN. RED SHANKS 
Geranium Robertianum. Geranium Family. 
This plant received much notoriety during the time 
of Robert’s Plague, when it was believed to have 
effected many cures. It has been called the “holy 
herb of Robert.” Just where it received the name of 
Robert is an open question. Some say that it was 
named after St. Robert, a Benedictine monk, while 
others hold that it was named after Robert, Duke of 
Normandy. When bruised it emits a disagreeable 
odour, and its juice has an astringent and bitterish 
taste. As a medicine it is used in cases of inter- 
mittent fever, jaundice and various other ailments. 
Tt is also used externally for relieving swellings, and is 
employed as a gargle in throat affections. The weak, 
leafy, slender stalk branches extensively, and grows 
from six to eighteen inches high. Because it is stained 
with crimson, the Scotch Highlanders call it Red 
Shanks. ‘The thin leaves are usually set in pairs, on 
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