60 
PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
gum is dug out of the ground. This gum is highly prized in the arts. 
On distillation it yields a terpene oil. A collodion-like preparation 
(Baume Collodion) is made by dissolving an equal weight of the gum 
in 90 per cent alcohol. It is said to be very useful in the treatment 
of wounds, ulcers, eczema and other skin affections, forming an 
excellent substitute for collodion. (Proc. A. Ph. A., 31: 95, 1883.) 
35. Agave species. Agaves. Century plants. Amaryllidacece. 
Century plants in great variety and abundance are found in nearly 
all parts of the State of California, especially in the southern part, 
and nearer the coast. Thrive in sandy, dry soil. 
36. Agave americana L. American agave. Aloe. Amaryllidacece. 
Leaves are used medicinally. Yields pulque. The fiber is used in 
cordage making. 
37. Agave deserti Engelm. Agave. Cactus. Amaryllidacece. 
A small plant, native of southern California. Most highly valued 
by desert Indians, all parts of the plant being used. Fresh shoots 
or young plants are roasted and eaten, likewise the flowers. Nets, 
mats, etc., are woven out of the fiber. It yields pulque and “vino 
mescal.” (I). P. Barrows, Land of Sunshine, 13 : v. 314, 1900.) 
(Bailey, Cyclo. Am. Hort, 34.) 
38. Agave palmeri Engelm. Amole. Mescal. Amaryllidacece. 
Used as food, for the fiber, and in preparing mescal, the national 
drink of the native Mexicans. Rich in mucilage and grape sugar 
(citro-glucoside). Other species, as A. parryi and A. shawii are sim- 
ilarly used. (U. S. Geol. Survey, Wheeler’s Report, Bot. 6: 52.) 
39. Agave utahensis Engelm. Mescal. Amaryllidacece. 
The fruit is baked in pits and eaten. (See Death Valley Report, by 
Coville.) 
40. Agave virginiana L. Rattlesnake master. Amaryllidacece. 
The roots, which are very bitter, are used in the treatment of colic, 
in the form of a tincture. Also as an antidote for snake bite. 
41. Aglaia odorata Lour. Meliacece. 
A native of Cochin-China, cultivated in southern California. The 
flowers are very fragrant and employed in the manufacture of per- 
fumery and sachet powders. In China the flowers are used to scent 
certain teas. 
42. Agrimonia gyrosepala Wallr. Common agrimony. Rosacece. 
This introduced species is closely related to the well-known medic- 
inal A. eupatoria L., of which both the herb and root are used. An oil 
is distilled from it. A decoction of the flowers is useful as a gargle, 
and has some value as a vermifuge. It contains tannin. 
