OF NEW-YORK. 37 



A. Arborea. Schoepf states that this species is found in this 

 State, though not mentioned by Torrey. The leaves and wood contain 

 malic acid, with tannin, and hence form a useful combination in many 

 cases of disease. Rafinesque says they form a refreshing, cooling, 

 anti-febrile drink, allaying thirst, etc. ; useful where a refrigerant 

 astringent is needed ; very similar to the fruit of the Rhus Glabrum or 

 Sumac. 



A. Mariana, Linn., (Kill Lamb, Stagger-bush). A species sup- 

 posed to be poisonous to lambs and calves, producing a disease called 

 the staggers ; a decoction is said to be useful as a wash in ulcers. 



Rhododendron,* Linn., (Rose Bay). We have seven species in- 

 digenous of this beautiful genus growing in the State of New- York, 

 under the names of Great Laurel, Wild Honeysuckle, etc. Their me- 

 dical properties have never been investigated, so far as we know, 

 although they richly deserve it. If we mistake not, like the Rhodo- 

 dendron Chrysanthemum of Siberia, some of the species will be found to 

 have valuable stimulant, diaphoretic, and narcotic properties, and prove 

 valuable remedies in the treatment of rheumatism, palsy, gout, etc. 



Kalmia| Latifolia, Linn., (Laurel, Calico-bush). Leaves, nar- 

 cotic, poisonous. Sheep, and some other animals, are occasionally 

 poisoned by eating the leaves of this plant. Barton says that the flesh 

 of partridges and pheasants that have fed on the leaves in winter, has 

 often caused symptoms of poisoning and even death. Not employed in 

 medicine. Dr. Barton says he has seen 20 grains of the recently pow- 

 dered leaves given at once without perceptible effect. 



K. Angustifolia, (Dwarf Laurel, Sheep Laurel). K. Glauca, 

 (Swamp Laurel). Both of these species possess the same qualities as 

 the latifolia. 



Ledum Palustre, Linn., (Labrador Tea). The leaves have an 

 aromatic, balsamic odor, and bitter taste ; contain vol. oil and tannin : 

 tonic, astringent, and slightly narcotic ; decoction of leaves is used as a 

 wash, and internally in cutaneous affections, attended with irritation 

 and itching; also in diarrhoea and dysentery; used in Germany, in 

 brewing, as a substitute for hops. This plant was used as a substitute 

 for tea, during the revolutionary war. 



Vaccinium Corymbosum, Linn., (Tall Swamp Huckleberry). 

 Berry nearly one-third of an inch in diameter, dark blue, covered with 

 a bloom, sub-acid and well-flavored. 



V. Pennsylvanicum. (Dwarf Blue Huckleberry), Berries large, 

 bluish black, covered with a glaucous gloom, sweet and well-flavored. 



* From the Greek, rhodon, a rose, and dendron, a tree, 

 t In honor of Peter Kalm, a Swedish botanist. 



