NAT. ORDER. TRILLIACE^. 
Ill 
The figure here exhibited was taken from a plant which 
flowered in my garden, last spring, from the roots sent me the 
preceding autumn, by a practical gardener of South Carolina, 
who is not only well acquainted with the medical plants of this 
country, but indefatigable in discovering and collecting the more 
rare species of that portion of our country, and with which the 
gardens of our Northern States are likely soon to be enriched. 
It grows in shady situations, in a light soil, and requires the 
same treatment as the Dodecatheon, and round-leaved Cyclamen. 
We have not learned, neither have we had a fair opportunity of 
ascertaining whether this species will ripen its seeds with us ; 
though a native of South Carolina, where it has been known and 
applied for medical purposes, ever since the first settlement of that 
country, it has never found its way north ; and hence we may 
conclude that it is not very readily propagated, or more easily 
destroyed. 
Medical Properties and Uses. This, as well as all the varieties 
of the Wild Turnip, in its fresh state, is a powerful stimulant and 
local irritant, possessing, in a great degree, the power of stimula- 
ting the secretions of the lungs and skin. It is also recommended 
as valuable for pain in the bowels, and colic. Dr. Samuel Thom- 
son says , " Its pectoral properties have proved highly beneficial 
in coughs, consumption of the lungs, asthma, and sore throat, for 
which we have used it for more than forty years. The root should 
be dried, pulverized, and used as cough powders ; or it may be 
given in honey, in the sirup of preserves, or in any other saccha- 
rine matter ; or it may be made into a paste with honey or sirup, 
and used in the form of candy, by letting the substance dissolve 
gradually on the tongue, so as to diffuse its warmth through the 
mouth. It is also good for sore mouth and throat, canker, and 
swellings about the neck, and is considered good in coughs, colds, 
and catarrhal affections. 
