508 Dr. wright’s Defcription of 
The wood is hard, and takes a good polifh. It is 
however fit only for rafters or other parts of fmall build- 
ings ; but this tree i3 valued chiefly for its bark, which 
externally is of a grey colour, and the infide black and 
furrowed. 
Freih cabbage-bark taftes mucilaginous, fweet, and 
infipid. Its finell, however, is rather difagreeable, and it 
retains it in the decoftion ; hence by fome called the 
bulge-water tree. 
Mr. peter duguid', formerly of this ifland, feem's to 
have been the firft that gave any account of the virtues 
of this bark, in the Edinburgh Effays, Phyfical and Li- 
terary, vol. II. The experiments he promifed have never 
yet appeared. It is certain it has powerful effects, and its 
anthelmintic quality is eftablifhed by the experience of 
feveral ages. It is at prefent in general ufe here, and 
begins to be known in Europe. No defcription having yet 
appeared, I have fupplied that defect as far as my abi- 
lities in Botany reached. It remains now to proceed 
to its exhibition, and the purpofes it is meant to anfwer 
as a medicine. 
Cabbage-bark may be given in different forms ; as in. 
decoction, fyrup, powder, and extract. I have ufed them 
all, and fhall fpeak of them feparately. 
a,. 
The: 
