NAT. ORDER. BROMELIACEiE. 
81 
soil should be loam and sand, with plenty of drainers at the bot- 
toms of the pots. It is readily increased by dividing ; the spring 
is the best season for that purpose. Although this plant requires 
great heat and dry situations to ensure its fine growth, it will 
almost live in a warm green-house, especially if the heat is kept 
even, through the different seasons. All, without any exception, 
are natives of the islands of this country, whence they have mi- 
grated eastward in such numbers, as to have established them- 
selves in great quantities all along the west coast of Africa, and 
some parts of the East Indies, 
Medical Properties and Uses. The Billbergia iridifolia has 
been considered by most writers, as possessing considerable tonic, 
expectorant, and slightly cathartic properties. In many parts of 
South America, the inhabitants indulge in the free use of a drink 
prepared from this delicious plant ; for which purpose they col- 
lect both the tops and roots, and subject them to the process of 
distillation, by which means the medicinal, saccharine, and stimu- 
lating properties are obtained. The liquid obtained by this pro- 
cess resembles in appearance that of Acer saccharinum, (Sugar- 
maple,) but cannot be conveniently made into sugar. It has a 
somewhat cordial taste, and proves highly stimulating by its free 
use. A tea made from the leaves has been considerably employed 
by some physicians in pulmonary and other lung difficulties, for 
which purpose it is recommended to take two ounces of the fresh 
dried leaves, and steep in two quarts water, over a gentle fire, un- 
til it is reduced to three pints ; then add half a pint pure French 
brandy, and one pound clarified sugar. Dose, from one to two 
fluid ounces, (or half a wine-glassful,) three times a day. It is 
more valued for its fine flavor and beautiful appearance, than for 
medicinal purposes, and is at the present time but very little used 
in medicine. 
