XIII. PTERI8. 195 
pose they should be pulled up in October, when perfectly 
pliant ; they are, besides, valuable as litter, and even 
sometimes mixed with hay as fodder for cattle ; and they 
form one of the best of all protecting materials in gar- 
dens, and are much used for packing purposes. The plant 
abounds in alkali, which is turned to account in the ma- 
nufacture of soap and glass. The ashes of the full-grown 
plant may be used in the wash-house, to economise soap ; 
they are mixed with enough water to allow of their being 
made up into balls, then dried, and, when required for 
use, are put into a fire until they acquire a red heat, 
when they are taken out and thrown into water, which, 
in an hour or so, becomes a strong ley. The plant is so 
astringent that it has been employed for the purpose of 
tanning kid and chamois leather. Medicinally, the 
Bracken is said to have had, among the ancients, a repu- 
tation in chronic disorders, especially those arising from 
obstructions of the viscera and spleen, but it is not now 
esteemed, though sometimes used, in the form of powder, 
to destroy worms, especially the tape worm ; the caudex 
is the part used, in doses of from one to three drachms, 
repeated for several mornings, and followed by a brisk 
purgative. 
No plant can require a less amount of cultivation when 
it is established, but there is a real or imaginary diffi- 
culty about transplanting it; and it is even said, on 
high authority, to be killed by transplantation. There 
is, however, no difficulty in transplanting it, if the caudex 
is removed during winter, while dormant ; on the contrary, 
it is sometimes found troublesome in soils collected at that 
season for potting purposes. It will grow freely in any 
temperature ; and though occurring in exposed situations, 
it is very much finer in damp shady places. 
o 2 
