ALTERATIVES, 4l 
The variety growing in Australia is very similar to the 
Jamaica, but the roots are larger. It is to be found at the 
Melbourne and Sydney heads as well as on the diggings. The 
supple jack is our New Zealand Sarsaparilla, not unlike it in 
outward appearance; the root, however, is very dissimilar, 
the supple jack being round and knotty. We have made an 
extract of it, but it is not rich in extractive matter. Wedoubt 
not but that it is as good as the imported, and we can 
recommend it to those living in the vicinity where it grows, 
For the blood the compound decoction is the best form. 
There are two ways of preparing it where it is wanted ag 
a tonic as well at an alterative. The mixture is :— 
Sarsaparilla ....00 Leeubeeveveeet » 2 ounces 
Sassafras .crccsceescevesetevssere 2 OUNCE 
Guaiacum.....e-. beseevecnodeveess L OUNCE 
Liquorice Root .sseseseseseseeeee 1 ounce 
Snake Root .....0+ APTN Se PE hey » ¥ ounce 
Simmer one hour in two quarts of water, strain, and take 
one to two wineglassfuls three times a day. In cases where 
there is a syphilitic taint, one to two drachms of the iodide of 
potassium should be added. In the blood form alone the snake 
root is omitted. The American Sarsaparilla or Bambo Briar 
has similar qualities. 
CLIVERS (Gartum APpaARINgE). 
(Goose Grass, Hay Riff, &c). 
This creeping tendril grows very abundantly in all 
countries. It is to be found under hedges, covering stones, 
old fences, &c. It has long branching square stalks with 
small leaves like a mouse’s ear. When you feel it it is like 
a sharp, fine-toothed saw, being covered with innumerable 
hair-like prickles. The flowers are small and white; the 
roots are hair-like and red, making, it is affirmed by some, a 
good dye. The whole plant is medicinal; the expressed juice 
in tablespoonful doses has been known to cure bad cases of 
blood-poisoning, scurvy, pimples, and disease of the skin, in 
general. The dried herb is infused an ounce to the pint, dose, 
a wine glassful four times a day. Dr Skelton says, it is best 
