PREPARATIONS OP VALERIAN. 
309 
ART. LXIX. — NEW PREPARATIONS OF VALERIAN. 
By A. K. Gardener, M. D., New York. 
The object of this paper is to say a few words in re- 
gard to the Radix Valeriana. This plant is indigenous to 
Europe, where it is found growing abundantly in the damp 
woods and meadows, as well as upon the dry and more 
elevated grounds. But though it is found growing natural- 
ly all over the Continent, it does not seem to arrive to such 
perfection as in England. And it is from thence that our 
supply is principally obtained. Holland produces a little, 
which is occasionally seen in our market. There is, how- 
ever, a very marked difference in the appearance of the 
roots of these two varieties. The Dutch is much smaller, 
shrivelled and stunted in its appearance; of a much darker 
color, and possessing far less of the peculiar smell which 
characterizes this plant. It has always been considered as 
possessing less virtues than the English. 
Within a very short time — possibly three years — a very 
limited supply of still a third variety, has been offered in 
our markets. This may be called the American. Valerian 
is not a native of this country, as has been stated. Its pre- 
sence, therefore, deserves some explanation. Some years 
ago, Messrs. Brinley & Co., of Boston, imported some of 
the living root from England, and placed it in the hands of 
the Shakers at Enfield, New Hampshire. It is from this 
germ that the American valerian of our market is produced. 
Whether from the favorable character of the soil and the 
climate of this country, or from the care bestowed upon it, 
by the skilful farmers and agriculturists of this fraternity, 1 
know not, but from either or both, has sprung up valerian 
far superior in its appearance to the best produced in Eng- 
land. Perhaps the Valeriana officinalis is not cultivated 
in England, and that the difference in its appearance may 
have arisen solely from the care which has been bestowed 
upon it. The most careless glance at the two varieties 
