is not only extremely abundant, but some of my specimens are 
three to four feet long and more than half an inch in diameter. 
The stems are ascertained by analysis to contain full thirteen 
per cent, of silicious earth, and the ashes have been found to 
consist of half their weight of silica: hence the extensive use 
made of this species for polishing wood, brass, ivory, etc.; so 
that it forms a considerable article of trade, under the name of 
Butch Bushes. The Dutch dairymaids keep their milkpails 
beautifully neat and clean by the use of them. The astringent 
and stimulating properties attributed to them in former days 
caused them to be employed in our Pharmacopoeia, and in a 
collection of drugs I have lately received from China this is 
among them. 
Plate 64. Fertile plant of Equisetum (§ Hyemalia) Jiyemale,—natural size. 
Figs. 1 and 2. Section of the stem,— magnified. 
