424 Mr. Cutler's Account of indigenous Vegetables, 



SILKWEED. Blossoms redish. Common by the road sides, 

 and in pastures. July. 



The seeds are contained in large pods, and are crowned with 

 white down, extremely fine and soft, resembling silk, which has 

 occasioned the name of Silkweed. It may be carded and spun in- 

 to an even thread, which makes excellent wickyarn. The candles 

 will burn equally free, and afford a clearer light than those made 

 of cotton wicks. They will not require so frequent snuffing, 

 and the smoke of the stuff is less offensive. The texture of the 

 down is weak, but sufficiently strong for dipped candles. If 

 greater strength should be necessary, a small quantity of cotton 

 wool may be mixed with the down. Large quantities may be 

 easily collected, and the tallow-chandlers might, doubtless, be 

 supplied for less than half the price of cotton yarn. 



Asclepias foliis ovatis subtus villosis^ caule simplici, umbelhs 

 erectis^ nectariis resupinatis. Syst. Nat. 



INDIAN HEMP. Blossoms redish. In moist land. July. 



The fibres of the bark are strong, and capable of being 

 wrought into a fine soft thread ; but it is very difficult to sepa- 

 rate the bark from the stalk. It is said to have been used by 

 the Indians for bow-strings. 



Asclepias foliis lanceolatis glabris, caule simplici., umbellis 

 erectis laterahbus solitariis. Syst. Nat. 



SWALLOW WORT. Blossoms white. About fences in moist 

 land. July 



Asclepias foliis lanceolatis., caule superne diviso^ umbellis 

 terminalibus congestis. Syst. Nat. 



MONEYWORT. Blossoms purple. In old fields. July. 



CHENOPODIUM. 



