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ami cannot be applied to useful purposes in dyinjr, from the diffi- 

 culty of fixing it. The taste of the dried root is slightly sweetish 

 but is followed by a sense of acrimony. Its medicinal properties 

 are emetic ami somewhat narcotic. In small dotes it is an alterative, 

 and has been recommended in the treatment of chronic rheumatism. 

 An ointment, prepared by mixing the roots or leaves with lard, has 

 been used to advantage in some cutaneous diseases. 



The Celery Crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus) is a naturalized 

 plant, iadigenous in Europe. It is pervaded by a volatile acid prin- 

 ciple, which is dissipated by drying or by heat, and may bo sepa- 

 rated by distillation. The property for which it has attracted the 

 attention of physicians is that of inflaming and vescicating the 

 skin. It is a powerful rubefacient, far more efficacious than 

 mustard. 



The Virgin's Bower (Clematis Virginiana), the Leather Flower 

 (Clematis Viorna), andthe Crisp-flowered Clematis (Clematis crispa) 

 are all ornamental vines, and well deserve a place in our gardens. 

 The leaves and flowers have medicinal properties. They are useful 

 pplications in cancerous and other foul ulcers, and in severe 

 headaches. 



The Dewberry (Rubus trivialis) and the high Blackberry (Rubus 

 villosus) bear both very agreeable acid fruit, and are so abundant 

 every where in Louisiana, that no one thinks of cultivating them. 

 Their berries are much used as food, and a jelly made from them 

 is in great esteem as an article of diet. Their root has tonic prop- 

 erties. Given in decoction, it is acceptable to the stomach, without 

 being offensive to the taste, and it may be used advantageously in 

 all cases where a vegetable astringent is of service, especially in 

 children's complaints. 



The Jersey tea (Ceanothus Americanus) is found every where in 

 the United States. The root of this plant is astringent, and imparts 

 a red color to water. The leaves were used during the revolution- 

 ary war as a substitute for tea, hence its name. A strong infusion of 

 the dried seed and leaves is recommended as a local application to 

 ulcers of the mouth and in sore throat of scarlet fever. 



The Fig wort (Scrophularia nodosa) is indigenous in Louisiana. 

 The leaves have a bitter, somewhat acrid taste. They are said to 

 be anodyne, and are sometimes employed in the form of ointment 

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