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IMPROVEMENT OE PHYSIC. 225 
The root of the avens , unlefs gathered in 
the beginning of the fpring, before the 
fap by nourifhing, and pufhing out the 
leaves has wafted its aromatic vertue, will 
by no means arifwer what may be juftly ex- 
pected from it. Rhubarb ought not to be 
brought into an apothecary’s fhop under 
ten years from the time of its gathering. 
The flowers of the St. John’s wort ought 
to be gathered before they are full blown, 
that their balfamic vertue may be pre- 
ferved. The root of the angelica is good 
for nothing unlefs it be gathered in the 
winter. Sloes ought to be gathered be- 
fore they are ripe* and the juice ptefled 
out of them in this ftate* i. e, before the 
harfhnefs is foftened by the froft, if it be 
defigned for an aftringent. Marum ought 
to be kept in veflels well clofed, left the 
volatile part, in which its vertue refides, 
fliould evaporate* 
Still an ample field remains. 
Rut not for me, to others i give way, 
Who choofe a longer courfe* 
Q. 
As 
