52 



lous and scorbutic diseases, being given internally, and applied at 

 the same time to the parts affected in the form of poultice, ointment 

 and decoction. Neither the berries nor the leaves are believed to be 

 poisonous. 



The Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudo-capsicum) is a shrubby 

 plant, bearing a red cherry-like fruit. I found it growing wild in 

 East Feliciana. It is an ornamental plant, and is cultivated in the 

 gardens on account of its bright green leaves and its red berries, 

 which are said to be poisonous. 



The Plantain (Plant ago major) grows in fields, roadsides and 

 grass plots. The leaves are saline, bitterish and austere to the taste. 

 The root is saline and sweetish. The plant has been considered 

 refrigerant and astringent. The ancients esteemed it highly, and 

 used it in diseases where astringents are properly employed. The 

 root is said to have been useful in intermittents. Among country 

 people it is used as a dressing for blisters and sores. 



The Thorn Apple (Datura stramonium) is supposed not to be 

 indigenous in this country, but to have originated in South America 

 or Asia. All over the United States the plant is generally known by 

 the name of Jamestown Weed, a name derived, probably, from its 

 having been first observed in the neighborhood of that old settle- 

 ment in Virginia; and it is even a traditional story that the followers 

 of John Smith had actually cooked it as greens, and had experienced 

 its poisonous properties by eating of it. The leaves, as well as the 

 seed, are considered medicinal It produces powerful narcotic 

 properties. It has been administered with good effect in mania and 

 epilepsy. It has also been found beneficial in neuralgia and rheu- 

 matic affections. It has acquired well deserved reputation in 

 asthma. Smoking the leaves or seed during the paroxysm greatly 

 alleviates, and often subverts it. 



Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which, on account of its smell, it3 

 clusters of yellow flowers, is somewhat an ornamental plant in the 

 gardens, has an aromatic odor and taste, dependent on a volalile oil 

 by which it is pervaded, and which may be separated by distillation. 

 Fennel seed was used by the ancients. It is one of the most 

 grateful aromatics, and is employed to disguise the taste of other 

 less pleasant medicines. 



The Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) grows in wet grass lands 



