1885.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 523 



Parthenium hysterophorus, L . 



One of the commonest weeds about the streets of San Antonio. Con- 

 tains a bitter principle associated with an essential oil. An infusion 

 from the tops is said to be useful in some forms of dyspepsia and in in- 

 termittent fever. 



Hymenathenim Gnaphaliopsis, Gray. 



Small, spreading, woolly herb of Southern Texas, called Lepiana by 

 the Mexicans, and used by them and the Indians as a remedy for ca- 

 tarrh. 



Engelmannia pinnatifida, T. & G. 



Perennial herb, common on the high prairies of Western Texas, said 

 to be poisonous. 



Bidens Bigelovii, Gray. 



Species of Spanish Needles, common in the foot-hills of Presidio 

 County, and valued by Mexicans as one of their best tea plants. The 

 leaves are collected during the time of inflorescence, parboiled and then 

 dried in the sun, when they are ready for use. Their infusion has su- 

 dorific, carminative and tonic properties. 



Chrysactinia Mexicana, Gray. 



One of the Damianas of the Mexicans. Small, branching bush, a 

 foot high or more, with heath-like leaves, punctate with round oil glands, 

 exhaling a strong resinous, aromatic odor. Found rather sparingly in 

 rocky foot-hills of Western Texas. Used by Mexicans, mostly as a su- 

 dorific, in rheumatism and fevers. 



Pectis angustifolia, Torr., P. longipes, Gray, and P. papposa, Gray. 



Small, lemon-scented herbs, with abundant star-like yellow blossoms, 

 filling the air with their fragrance. Common in Western and Southern 

 Texas. It is probable they would yield by distillation a rich perfume. 



Actinella odorata, Gray. (Limonillo.) 



Herb with filiform-dissected leaves, in Southern Texas. Also a per- 

 fume plant. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



TREES AND SHRUBS. 

 Diospyroa Texaua, Scheele. (Mexican Persimmon; the Chapote of the Mexicans.) 



Often found on rocky mesas but thrives best in canons and on the 

 edges of ravines. Common from San Antonio westward and southward. 

 Shrub or small tree 10 to 20 feet high, with soft, white wood. 



The black, globose fruit, smaller than its congener of the Eastern 

 States, is about as astringent when green and as sweet when ripe, in 

 August and September. I have not seen any unpleasant effect from 

 its free use in the field. Stains black everything it touches, and Mexi- 

 cans use it to dye sheep skins by boiling. 



