38 
HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS 
of many Ferns, they are reckoned pectoral and lenitive ; 
and both the native A diantum Capillus- Veneris, and the 
American Adiantum pedatum, are thus employed in the 
form of Capillaire, which is prepared from them by pour¬ 
ing boiling syrup over the fronds, and flavouring it with 
orange flowers ; this preparation is considered undoubtedly 
pectoral, though if too strong it is said to be emetic. 
Other species of Adiantum , as well as some Polypodiums, 
AcrosticJmms, and Nothochlamas, are reported to possess 
medicinal properties. Polypodium CalagUala has an oily 
disagreeable taste, but in South America is highly valued 
for its alterative properties. The common Adders-tongue 
is gathered by country-people for the preparation of ad- 
ders-spear ointment, which is a popular remedy for recent 
wounds. 
Both the common Bracken and the Male Fern abound 
in alkali, and are applied to various economic uses, as the 
manufacture of soap and glass, the dressing of leather, &c. 
These species have also been used in the preparation of 
beer ; and the Aspidium fragrans has been employed as a 
substitute for tea. 
The bruised leaves of Angiopteris evecta and Polypo¬ 
dium phymatodes are said to yield an aromatic oil, em- 
