100 
NAT. ORDER. RANUNCDLACE^. 
when tlieir leaves begin to decay, they should be taken up and dried, 
and afterwards planted out in borders in the same manner as the old 
roots, and in the following summer they will produce flowers. 
Medical Properties and Uses. This plant (Anemone hortensis), 
agrees in properties with those of Anemone pratensis. The whole 
order is more or less acrid, and most of the species somewhat poison- 
ous, powerfully astringent, and are made use of in hypochondriasis, 
hernia, fevers, &c. For a more particular description, the reader 
is referred to page 60, Vol. I. of this work. 
It may, however, be of interest to record some of the supposed 
virtues which have been ascribed to this plant by the ancients, and 
which is even more or less pursued to the present day. The plant, 
root and all, is taken, when dry, and burnt in the rooms of the sick, 
for various disorders, especially for pulmonary complaints, coughs, 
colds, &c. It is also, by many of the inhabitants of the Eastern 
countries, smoked in pipes in place of tobacco. It is said to be less 
intoxicating, and produces an exhilerating effect. The decoction is 
copiously used for bathing in cases of rheumatism and gout. An 
extract is prepared which possesses all the properties of the plant ; 
the quantity of which may be taken from three to five grains at a 
dose; but should in all cases be used with caution and judgment. 
