100 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
feet high. The leaves are opposite, of a feathery character, 
terminating in flowering branches. The flowers are rose- 
coloured, though sometimes almost white; they have an 
agreeable smell. Our picture will enable it to be identified. 
Is growing in most botanical gardens, and can be cultivated 
privately. Itis worthy of a place for its looks alone. The: 
roots are the part used in medicine. They should be collected in. 
the spring, dried, and separated from adhering earth, then 
kept from the damp and air. The decoction is made in the 
usual way, and ordinary dose. The tincture is two ounces to: 
the pint of proof spirit; dose, from a tea- to a table-spoonful 
three times a day. The powder is taken in an infusion of one- 
teaspoonful three times a day. For all nervous troubles. 
and sleeplessness, valerian is a good remedy. It is generally 
used in combination with other nervines and tonics, according 
to indications. 
LADY’S SLIPPER (Cyrrirepium PusBEscens.) 
(American Valerian). " 
It will be seen from our picture of this plant that its 
appearance has suggested itsname. It grows throughout the 
States. Several varieties of it are found, but the one with the 
yellow flowers is reckoned the best. It is described as rising on 
a single stem, which has a horny covering. ‘The leaves 
being similar, lance-shaped and bent, about four or five inches. 
long. The flower is yellow, and in four divisions, which taper, 
and give the slipper-shape. The roots are the medicinal part. 
They come to us in the form of slender broken pieces, from the 
thickness of a pin to a quill; of a brown clayish colour. It 
has a slight aromatic smell and taste, yielding its virtues to 
water and spirits. It is a good nervine ; some affirm that it is. 
as strong in its sedative power asthe English valerian. We 
sell them both and find our customers take either, finding 
little or no difference in them. The dose of the powdered root 
is a teaspoonful infused in a cup of boiling water ; cover, cool, 
strain, sweeten if required, and drink the clear three or four 
times a day. There are some who take a cupful at bed-time 
