272 
Original Communications. 
a drying room (Etuve,) and this operation I repeat in the hot- 
test part of June and July. The heat of the sun, is often 
sufficient at these epochs. 
The roots most subject to be covered with mould as Althea ; 
those most easily attacked by worms as Angelica, have been 
preserved as long as I have wished. The same may be said 
with regard to leaves, containing the most extractive matter, 
as Cicuta, Fumitory &c, and those of the most fugacious 
odour, as Balm, and Ground Ivy ; they lost after a number of 
years, scarcely any portion of their green colour and delicate 
aroma." 
In addition to what is here stated respecting roots, I would 
observe that in the large Pharmaceutical establishment of 
Mr. E. Durand, with whom I have been for the lapse of six 
years, and whose stock, from the circumstance of European 
Physicians and foreigners generally, resorting to him, em- 
braces a large variety of medical herbs, common to the other 
side of the Atlantic, I have noticed during this period those 
most susceptible of decay, from mouldiness or attack of in- 
sects ; among the roots are the Orris, Peony, the different Aris- 
tolochias, Tormentil, Squill, Liquorice, Colchicum, Dandelion, 
Fern, Burdock, &c. Many of these being seldom called into 
requisition, and kept in close glass vessels, that are as seldom 
opened, have undergone no evident change. Others, particu- 
larly indigenous roots in common demand, which are brought 
to the market in an imperfectly dry state, we have been 
obliged to examine from time to time. Upon these occasions 
it is usual with us to dry them by heat, then brush and finally 
replace them in clean and dry vessels. 
As regard to leaves, and other medicinal parts of a plant 
such as we have coming for the most part, from the Shaker 
Settlement at New Lebanon, they need no other attention, 
than that of simply placing them in close drawers in a dry 
place. These plants it is well known, are pressed into a very 
compact form, and neatly put up in small packages, protected 
by strong paper envelopes. I have not found these to dete- 
riorate by keeping. Though the form of the plant is lost by 
