OF NEW-YORK. 47 



bitter, reported by many as equal to imported Columbo. When re- 

 cent, it is emetic and cathartic, and operates like rhubarb ; when 

 dried, simply tonic. Employed much at the west and south, and kept 

 in the shops. Powder and infusion. 



Erythr.f. \* Centaurium, Vers., (Common Centaury). A pure 

 bitter and tonic, no astringency, and slight aroma. 



Sabbatia"(" Angularis, Pursh, (American Centaury). An ex- 

 cellent, pure, bitter tonic, without astringency. Two other species, 

 Stellaris, (Pursh), and Chloroidcs, (Pursh), have the same properties. 



Menyanthes:): Trifoliata, Linn., (Buckbean, Marsh Trefoil). 

 A good tonic, combining laxative and diuretic properties. In small doses 

 astringent. (See Wood and Bache.) Said also to be emmenagogue. 



Apocynace^e. Juss. — (The Dogbane Tribe.) 



Ai'Ocynum§ Andros^emifolium, Linn., (Dog ? s Bane). Contains 

 bitter extractive matter, caoutchouc, and vol. oil. Root, diaphoretic and 

 emetic, in full doses causes emesis, without previous nausea, or much 

 muscular relaxation. A stimulant to digestive organs in small doses. 



A. Cannabinum, Linn. (Indian Hemp). Emeto-cathartic, diu- 

 retic, and diaphoretic ; produces copious watery evacuations, followed 

 by general perspiration ; uncertain as a diuretic, most useful as a 

 hydragogue in dropsy. 



Asclepiadaceje, R. Br. — (The Milk Weed Tribe.) 



Asclepias|| Cornuti, Decaisne, (Silk Weed, Milk Weed). Diuretic, 

 diaphoretic, anodyne and expectorant. The young plants resemble as- 

 paragus ; the dried leaves are employed in preparing the indigo dye in 

 woollen manufactories. 



A. Incarnata, Linn., (Swamp Silk Weed). The root, emetic and 

 cathartic, also diaphoretic. 



A. Tuberosa, Linn., (Pleurisy Root). Well known from its beau- 

 tiful orange-colored flowers ; a good diaphoretic and expectorant, slightly 

 tonic. In large doses, cathartic. Has been found useful in catarrh, 

 pneumonia, pleurisy and other pectoral complaints ; also, in rheuma- 



* From the Greek erythros, red, the color of the flowers, 

 t After L. Sabbati, an Italian botanist of last century. 



I From the Greek mene, a month, and anthos, a flower, in allusion to its em- 

 menagogue virtues. 



§ From apo, from, and kyon, a dog, it being thought poisonous to that animal. 

 U The Greek name of jEsculapius, to whom the genus is dedicated. 



