53 



and on borders of streams, to the height of from four to five feet. 

 Its roots are \.t\ poisonOU8, and it has been recommended as a 

 specific in nervous and sick headaches. 



Boneset (Eupatorium perforatum) is a plant which is easily rec- 

 ognised by its small bushy white flowers, and by the long narrow 

 leaves, which may be considered as being perforated by the stem. 

 It abounds in moist and wet places. It tlowers from the middle of 

 August to the last of October. All parts of it have active proper- 

 i tonic and diaphoretic. In large doses it is emetie. 

 It is said to have been employed by the Indians in intermittent 

 fevers, but its efficacy in that disease is doubtful. 



The Yarrow (Achillea millefolia) is a perennial herb common to 

 the old and the new continent. Both flowers and leaves have an 

 • able though feeble aromatic odor, and a bitter, astringent and 

 pungent taste. The aromatic property is strongest in the flowers, 

 and the bitter principle in the leaf. It owes its virtues to a volatile 

 oil, which may be obtained by distillation. Its medical properties 

 air tonic, aromatic and astringent. 



The May weed (Maruta cotula) grows abundantly in ar/d around 

 the town of Baton Rouge. It is undoubtedly introduced. Its flowers 

 consist of a golden yellow disk and white radial florets. It is fre- 

 quently called wild chamomile. The whole plant has a strong dis- 

 eable smell and a warm bitter taste, and imparts its active 

 principle to water. It may be substituted for chamomile, for its 

 medical properties are the same. It has been given in nervous dis- 

 eases, especially hysteria. 



Canada Fleabane (Erigeron Canadensis) is a common weed which 

 grows from two to six feet high. The leaves and flowers are said 

 to possess peculiar virtue. It has an agreeable odor, and a bitterish 

 acrid somewhat astringent taste. Both alcohol and water extract its 

 virtues. It appears to be tonic and astringent, and has proved 

 useful in dropsical and other complaints. 



The Sweet scented Golden rod (Solidago odora) grows in the 

 woods and fields in Louisiana. The leaves have a fragrant odor, 

 I a warm, aromatic, agreeable taste. It is aromatic, and moder- 

 ately stimulant and diaphoretic when given in warm infusion. 



The Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is considered, on account of 

 e of its flowers, as an ornamental plant of the gardens. 



