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been found when a particular variety 1ms been grown in the same 

 soil, for any length of time, it degenerates and requires to be re- 

 newed either by seed, but more frequently by resorting to varieties 

 whieh have been grown in different soil and locality. 



As ft culinary vegetable the potato is susceptible of being dressed 

 in numerous ways, thus furnishing a great variety of palatable 

 dishes. It is said that Parrnentier, who did so much in France 

 promote the cultivation of the potatoe, gave a grand entertainment 

 in Paris, at which Benjamin Franklin and Lavoisier, and many other 

 rated men were present, of which every dish consisted of pota- 

 toes dressed in an endless variety of form and fashion; even the 

 liquors that graced the potato banquet, were the produce of this 

 precious tuberous stem. 



The blue ilag (Iris versicolor) is found in the greatest abun- 

 dance in the prairie swamps of St Landry and Calcasieu. Its large, 

 bright blue llowers shaded with yellow make it quite an object of 

 attraction. They afford a fine blue infusion which is employed as a 

 test ox acids and alkalies. The recent root or rhyzoma is without 

 odor, and has a nauseous acrid taste which is imparted to water by 

 decoction, and still more perfectly to alcohol. It possesses cathartic. 

 emetic, and diuretic properties, and was much esteemed for its 

 medicinal virtues by the Southern Indians. It is however seldom 

 used by the profession, and it may be administered in substance de- 

 coction or tincture. 



The Indian hemp (apocynum canabinum) exudes a milky juice 

 when wounded, which, when sufficiently dried, exhibits the proper- 

 ties of india rubber. It has a tough, fibrous bark, which by macer- 

 ation affords a substitute for hemp, of which the Indians make 

 twine, bags, fishing nets and lines, as well as linen for their own use. 

 The root is the part of the plant which is medicinally employed. 

 It is powerfully emetic and cathartic and sometimes diuretic, and 

 promotes diaphoresis and expectoration. The disease in which it 

 has been found most beneficial is dropsy. The bark of the root has 

 also been employed in intermittents, and is considered only inferior 

 to quinine in its antiperiodic power. The decoction is the most 

 convenient preparation. 



The gravel root (eupatorium purpureum) is a perrenial herba- 

 ceous plant, from five to six feet high. It has been found in the low 



