NAT. ORDER. BICORNES. 
45 
buds are formed for the next years' flowers, at the extremity of the 
branches ; these buds swell during- the autumn and spring- months, till 
the beginning- of June, when the flowers burst forth from their empale- 
ments, forming- a round bunch, or corymbus, sitting- very close to the 
branch ; they are of a pale blush color, but the out side of the petal a 
peach color. In its native soil it continues flowering- the g-reatest part 
of the summer, and is hig-hly ornamental. 
Kalmia (named by Linnaeus in honor of Peter Kalm, professor at 
Abo, in Sweden ; author of Travels in America, in the year 1753.) It 
it a native of all the northern parts of the United States and Canada, 
inhabiting- bog-gy meadows, and the borders of mountains and lakes, 
and damp, stony, rough places. 
P^-opagation and Culture. These plants are increased by seeds, 
layers and suckers. The present one, however, is mostly raised from 
seeds, which should be sown in pots or boxes of light sandy mould, 
in the spring, placing them in an easterly border, or in beds of light 
mould, in a similar situation. When placed on a gentle hot-bed they 
succeed better. They must, however, be inured to the full air in 
summer, being sheltered during winter from frost. When the plants 
have had two years' growth, they must be removed into separate pots, 
to be continued two or more years, when they may be planted out in 
the open ground in warm situations. 
Medical Projjerties and Uses. The poisonous qualities of this ele- 
gant shrub have very much lessened its value, both as an ornament 
and a medicine. Cattle, horses, sheep, and other domestic animals, 
have been poisoned by eating freely of the green foliage of this plant. 
As a njedicine it is not recommended for use. It is said to possess 
similar properties to those of the night-shade tribe. A strong infu- 
sion, or a decoction from the leaves, or bark of the root, will materi- 
ally alter the pulse, even given in the most minute doses ; it also 
appears to possess considerable narcotic powers, producing insensi- 
bility, languor, stupor and delirium. These effects have been pro- 
duced by accidental use. 
