XIV 
PREFACE. 
of the medicinal species, gives also a good deal of botanical information. 
To dilate any further on general botany lies beyond the intention of this 
treatise. 
Chapman’s Flora of the Southern United States, or Gray’s Manual, are 
indispensable aids for the determination of any plant that is not included 
in the Medicinal Plants. My Flora of Tennessee, published in 1887, 
would also facilitate analysis by narrowing the field of inquiry. 
In answer to the vital question of profits, every one can make his own 
calculations by looking at the quotations of the list of prices paid for crude 
drugs to collectors, by the largest chemical manufacturing establishments 
and dealers in botanical goods. By the side of such quotations you can 
place the selling prices of crude botanical drugs in bulk, from recently 
published price-lists on the subject. The comparison of buying and sell- 
ing prices may be useful in closing bargains. 
In illustration of practical field work I may give a few instances. To 
begin at Nashville. Three miles from the eastern limits of the city grows 
Sweet Cecily (Osmorrhiza longistylis), copiously in moist copses and shady 
groves. The root, which may be quickly lifted from the loose leaf-mould 
in which it luxuriates, is quoted at 18c per pound. About 25 to 30 roots 
may make a pound, and several hundred could be collected in a few hours. 
To the right and left of the pike (Lebanon) stands any number of a two- 
foot high, homely weed, “White Vervain’’ (Verbena urticifolia). The 
root brings 8c per pound. It can be pulled out of the ground by taking 
hold of the stem. Several other collectable species, though in lesser num- 
bers, grow thereabouts. 
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) often covers whole mountain- 
sides in a dense sward. It may be cut with a scythe, dries easily and weighs 
rather heavy. Worth only 4jc per pound. It pays very well for the labor 
of cutting and baling it. 
On the summits of the Balds and Smokies, I found in and around the 
edges of the laurels (Rhododendron Catawbiense), the tiny little Golden- 
thread (Coptis trifolia) covering the ground, often imbedded in the moss, 
whence it can be picked with the fingers. Whole plant (root and top), 
quoted at 25c per pound. Supply unlimited. 
Sassafras and Persimmon nurseries are characteristic of soils of Tennes- 
see, and bring little credit and profit to their owners. The bark of young 
persimmons brings 5c, and the bark of sassafras the same. The barks, acre 
for acre, would pay for clearing with a surplus for clover-seed and plaster. 
