to a child two or three years old, and double the quantity to an adult, is given in the morning fasting, and 
repeated the two succeeding mornings; after which, a dose of rhubarb is usually prescribed. This is the 
empirical practice of the planters, who usually, once in three or four months, exhibit the cow-hage in this 
manner to their slaves in general, but especially to all the children, without distinction ; and in this manner 
I have seen it given to hundreds, from one year and upwards, with the most happy success. But though 
these were indisputable proofs of its efficacy, I was far from being convinced of its safety. I observed, that 
the substance given consisted of an assemblage of spiculae, exquisitely fine, and so acutely pointed, that 
when applied to the skin they excited an intolerable itching, and even inflammation ; from whence I appre- 
hended dangerous consequences from their contact with the coats of the stomach and intestines. Indeed, 
when mixed into an electuary, in the manner in which they are given, their elasticity is so impaired, that 
they do not produce the same sensible irritation ; but yet I could conceive no other quality on which their 
efficacy depended, especially after I had prepared both a tincture and decoction from cow-hage ; and yet | 
can, with the greatest truth, declare, that, though prejudiced to its disadvantage, I was never able, either by 
my own observations, or diligent inquiry, to discover a single instance of any ill consequence resulting from 
its use, which has been so extensive, that several thousands must have taken it ; and as no ill effects have 
been observed, I think, not only its efficacy, but safety, are sufficiently evinced to entitle it to general use, 
especially when we reflect on the uncertainty, and even danger, which attends on vermifuges.”* Whether 
this remedy is equally deleterious to the ascarides, he says, he cannot speak, as he has not seen it tried 
against them. For this last purpose, Dr. Mason Good suggests its employment in the form of mucilaginous 
injections. It was a favourite remedy with Dr. Macbride, who, in his introduction to the “ Theory and 
Practice of Physic,” has strongly recommended it. It is a fact well-know to entomologists, that the hairs of 
the caterpillars of several moths occasion a most violent itching, particularly those of the procession moth 
(Lasiocampa processioned,) of which Reaumerhas given so interesting an account. Hence it has been sup- 
posed, that the hair of the caterpillars here alluded to, might probably be found equally efficacious as an 
anthelmintic.f A decoction of the pods of this plant is said to be powerfully diuretic, and a vinous infusion 
is occasionally administered in dropsy. A strong tea, made with the roots, and sweetened with honey, has 
been recommended by the native doctors of India as a remedy for cholera.^ 
By the “ Mirror of the Months,” the appearance of natural scenery in July is brought before us. 
“ The corn-fields are all redundant with waving gold — gold of all hues — from the light yellow of the oats, 
(those which still remain uncut,) to the deep sunburnt glow of the red wheat. But the wide rich sweeps 
of these fields are now broken in upon, here and there, by patches of the parched and withered looking 
bean crops; by occasional bits of newly ploughed land, where the rye lately stood; by the nbw darkening t 
turnips — dark, except where they are being fed off by sheep flocks ? and lastly by the still bright-green 
meadows, now studded everywhere with grazing cattle, the second crops of grass being already gathered in. 
cc The woods, as well as the single timber trees that occasionally start up with such fine effect from out 
of the hedge-rows, or in the midst of meadows and corn-fields, we shall now find sprinkled with what at 
first looks gleams of scattered sunshine lying among the leaves, but what, on examination, we shall find to 
be the new foliage that has been put forth since midsummer, and which yet retains all the brilliant green of 
the spring. The effect of this new green, lying in sweeps and patches upon the old, though little observed * 
in general, is one of the most beautiful and characteristic appearance of this season. In many cases, when 
the sight of it is caught near at hand, on the sides of thick plantations, the effect of it is perfectly deceptive, 
and you wonder for a moment how it is, that while the sun is shining so brightly every where, it should 
shine so much more brightly on those particular spots.” 
* Essay on the Natural History of Guiana, p. 390. 
t Kirby and Spence’s Introduction to Entomology », 1 . Oth ed.p. 180. 
t Burnett’s Outlines of Botany. 
