46 
ULMUS CAMPESTRIS. 
very little of their taste. In distillation with water, a considerable 
quantity of a yellow pungent oil rises, in the proportion of twelve 
ounces from twenty-five pounds of the fresh seeds. This essential oil 
has a strong ungrateful smell and flavour; like the seeds. Rectified 
spirit takes up both odour and taste; and yields, when evaporated, 
an extract containing the sensible qualities of the seeds. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Cumin seeds are said to 
be carminative and stomachic: and, from the large proportion of 
essential oil they contain, we should he led to suppose them equal, 
if not superior, to many of the umbelliferous tribe. But they are 
seldom given internally, and almost the only use to which they are 
applied is as an external stimulant in discussing indolent tumours. 
Off. The Seed. 
Off. Pp. Emplastrum Cumini, L. 
ULMUS CAMPESTRIS. 
Common Elm.* 
Ciass Pentandria. Order Digynia. 
Nat. Ord. ScABRiDiEj Linn. Amentace^, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla none. Capsule 
(samara) compressed, membranaceous. 
Spec. Char. Leaves doubly serrated, unequal at the base. 
This species of elm is indigenous to Britain, flowering in 
March or early in April. It is very abundantly cultivated in many 
parts of the country, particularly Worcestershire and Essex ; it is 
also very common in the neighbourhood of London. There are two 
varieties of this tree, besides the one under consideration ; one w ith 
much smaller leaves, and another with smooth. These are equally 
common in many parts of the country. 
This tree rises to a very considerable height, and sends off" nume- 
rous strong, spreading branches ; the trunk and older branches are 
covered with rough, cracked, brown bark, but the bark on the 
young branches is smooth and tough ; the leaves are ovate, rough 
* Fig. a. flower, magnified, b. Pistillum. e. Sprig of blossoms. 
