STICTA. 



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properties it resembles Cetraria Islandica, containing like it 

 starchy matter (though in very small amount) , gum, bitter 

 and astringent principles, and a brownish colouring matter ; 

 on these properties depend its economical applications. Its 

 specific name, as well as its familiar designation, " Lungs of 

 Oak," or " Tree Lungwort/' are due either to its efficacy, 

 real or supposed, in pulmonary affections, as a nutrient, 

 demulcent, or tonic ; or from some fancied resemblance 

 between the reticulate-lacunose character of the thallus and 

 the mesh-like structure of the lungs. Its alleged virtues in 

 pulmonary affections led to its being at one time in this 

 country frequently prescribed to invalids in the form of jellies 

 or diet-drinks. The Swedish peasantry were wont to employ 

 it in the epidemic catarrh of cattle, and especially of sheep ; 

 and in Germany, probably for similar purposes, it was given 

 to cattle mixed with salt. It was also at one time much 

 used as a tonic and astringent in a great variety of diseases. 

 Its astringent principle has been applied to the purposes of 

 the tanner, and its bitter to those of the brewer as a sub- 

 stitute for hops. A Siberian monastery once acquired a 

 celebrity for its beer, which was flavoured with the bitter 

 principle of this Lichen. Its colouring matter has been 

 largely applied to the dyeing of stockings, yarn, and woollen 



