192 . 
APPENDIX. 
Snakeroot, Seneca and Virginia. Polygala senega , and Aristolo- 
chia serpentaria. 
Very dangerous consequences have sometimes ensued from 
confounding these two plants. l)r. Tennent first called the 
attention of physicians to the fact that the Indians possessed 
a specific for the bite of the rattlesnake, which was ascertained 
to be the Seneca snakeroot. It is also prescribed in pleurisy 
and dropsy. The Virginia snakeroot is likewise considered 
a remedy for the bites of serpents. It is strongly aromatic, and 
was at one time thought to he of marvellous efficacy in various 
diseases ; but its fame has declined in modern practice. 
Solomon’s Seal. Convallaria bifolia, racemosa, multiflora, &c. 
The name of Solomon’s seal was given on account of 
certain marks on the root. There are many varieties of it 
found in the spring in shady woods. The mucilaginous roots 
make an excellent poultice for tumors, bruises, &c. 
Old Gerartle says, “The root of Solomon’s seal, stamped, 
while it is fresh and greene, and applied, taketh away in one 
night, or two at the most, any bruse, black or blew spots 
gotten by fals, or woman’s wilfulness in stumbling upon their 
hasty husband’s fists, or such like.” 
Sugar-cane. Saccharum officinarum. 
Sugar, like that which appears every day upon our tables, 
seems to have been a luxury unknown to the old Greeks and 
Romans, though some have thought they found an allusion 
to it in Theophrastus. Father Hennepin found this priceless 
cane growing near the mouth of the Mississippi, and Ximenes 
mentions that it grew wild near the Rio de la Plata. The 
plants introduced from Java, Isle of Bourbon, &c., are said 
