42 
NAT. ORDER. — DUMOSE^. 
earth ; but the seeds which are put into the ground in the autumn will 
many of them come up the following- spring-, while those which are 
ke}>t longer out of the ground, often remain a whole year before the 
plants appear, as in Holly, Hawthorn and some others. The seeds 
may be forwarded in their growth by means of a hot-bed. When the 
plants have sufficient strength they should be planted out, some in 
nursery-rows and others in pots. They delight in a moist soil and a 
shady situation. In hot land they make progress, and rarely produce 
any fruit. They are very ornamental, and afford variety in the plea- 
sure-grounds and among potted plants. 
Medical Projjerties and Uses. "Prinos verticillatus, is perhaps, as 
well known among country physicians (called black alder) as any in- 
digenous medicinal plant of the United States. It is universally and 
justly celebrated. Shoeff first publicly noticed its virtues. He says 
it is an antiseptic, and is used in gangrene and jaundice. This is all 
he has on the subject ; and the verity of his observation is proved by 
the fact, that at this time it is successfully employed by country prac- 
titioners and others, as an antiseptic in cases of foul ulcers and morti- 
fication. The bark is astringent, bitter, pungent and not very disagree- 
able. The first of these virtues has probably led to its use in diarrhoea, 
which disease it is highly recommended in curing. It has been, and 
continues to be much used, and efficaciously, instead of Peruvian bark, 
in intermittent fevers and other complaints. In cases of great debility, 
unattended by fever, it has been highly extolled ; and both its sensible 
properties, and well-known effects, render it probable that its reputa- 
tion in such cases is merited. It has also been used and praised, as a 
corroborant in anasaca and general dropsy ; and as an antiseptic and 
tonic in cases of incipient gangrene. In these cases it is given inter- 
nally, and employed at the same time externally as a wash. The 
berries participate in all the virtues already enumerated, as appertaining 
to the bark ; and brandy infusions or tinctures made of them, are of 
general use in the country, in all cases where bitter tinctures are indi- 
cated. Country practitioners combine the bark with the root of sassa- 
