194 
APT END IX. 
Tea. Tliea viridis and bohea. 
Tea is a small evergreen shrub, belonging to the same 
family as the camellia. Owing to the Chinese policy in regard 
to foreigners, we know very little about the plant, or the 
method of preparing the leaves; as one may ascertain by 
reading various elaborate accounts, which are very far from 
agreeing with one another. It w r as first introduced into 
England, in 1666, from Holland, and sold at a very high 
price. In view of the present enormous consumption of tea, 
it is a curious question what people drank before it came 
into use. 
Tliorn Apple, Apple of Peru, or Jamestown Weed. Datura 
stramonium. 
Almost every one must know this peculiar looking plant 
as a violent narcotic poison. Even the odor of it is said to 
induce dizziness and stupor. Yet, in skilful hands, it proves 
a most valuable medicine. The old Greek physicians appar¬ 
ently knew its properties; and in our time it is used in 
epilepsy and mania. The root is smoked for asthma, and 
an extract of the leaves is sometimes applied to burns and 
inflamed tumors. Such dangerous remedies, however, should 
be given only by physicians. 
Toad Flax. Antirrhinum Unaria. 
A common flower in summer, with rather fine bluish leaves, 
and yellow and orange flowers, shaped like those of its brother, 
the snapdragon. Country people give it the descriptive name 
of butta'-and-eggs. Linnseus says it was used to poison flies. 
Like many common plants, it has healing virtues. An infu¬ 
sion of the flowers is highly recommended for skin diseases, 
