OF NEW-YORK. 25 



Onagrace,e, Juss. — (The Evening Primrose Tribe.) 



(Enotiiera Biennis, Linn. Frlticosa, Linn. Linearis, Michx. 

 Chrysantha, Michx. Pumila, Linn., (Evening Primrose, Cure- 

 all, etc.). The Biennis is chiefly used in medicine. Bark and 

 loaves mucilaginous, slightly acrid. Dr. Griffith states that he has 

 cured infantile eruptions, as tetter, with a decoction of this plant, when 

 all other means had failed. (Med. Bot. p. 304.) He directs a strong 

 decoction, with which the parts affected are to be bathed several times 

 a day. Forms a good emollient in ulcers. 



Lvtiirum Hyssopifolia, Linn., (Common Purple Loose Strife). 

 The whole plant demulcent and astringent ; useful in diarrhoea and 

 chronic dysentery. Decoction of the root ( 5 i- to O. j.) the best form of 

 exhibition, in doses of 5 ij., three times a day. A useful remedy. 



Cactacea, Juss. — (The Cactus Tribe ) 

 Opuntia Vulgaris, Mill, (Prickly Pear). Common around New- 

 York and on Long Island. Fruit two inches long. A rubefacient and 

 vesicant. 



GrossulacejE, De Can. — (The Currant Tribe.) 

 Ribes, (Currant and Gooseberry). Five species. Cynosbati, 

 (Prickly Gooseberry.) Rotundifolium, (Round-leaved Gooseberry). 

 Lacustre, (Swamp Gooseberry). Floridum, (Wild Black Currant). 

 Prostratum, (Fetid Currant). Currant juice is laxative, refrigerant 

 and antiseptic. Its wine contains 26 per cent, of alcohol. The black 

 currant is astringent. 



Saxifragace.e. — (The Saxifrage Tribe.) 

 Heuchera Americana, (Coirlmon Alum Root). A powerful astrin- 

 gent. An extract from the roots of this plant, would probably be equal 

 to that of the Rhatany or Catechu. The basis of some of the cancer 

 powders of empirics. Employed by the Indians as an application 

 to wounds and ulcers. 



Hamamelaceje, R. Brown. — (Witch Hazel Tribe.) 



Hamamelis Virginica, Linn., (Witch Hazel). The bark of this 

 plant has a bitter, astringent, somewhat sweetish and pungent taste. Is 

 employed by the Indians as a sedative and discutient to painful tumors, 

 and external inflammations. It is a popular remedy in the shape of 

 a poultice or decoction, in hemorrhoidal and ophthalmic affections ; also 

 infusion of leaves in bowel complaints and hemorrhages. Seeds are 

 edible, like the hazelnut. Deserves further trials. Erroneously sup- 

 posed to have the power of indicating water and ores. 



