Bayberry Bush.

THIS valuable bush grows wild in many parts of America. The leaves and berries are in great repute for their warm carminative qualities. Dr. Motherby thinks them highly stomachic. The berries yield on distillation a considerable quantity of aromatic essential oil, which is beneficial in flatulent colics, dropped on sugar, from two to ten and fifteen drops for a dose. They also yield on pressure an insipid oil, which, when boiled, cools into the consistence of wax, of a yellowish green colour; but the more common mode of obtaining this oil is, by boiling the berries a considerable time in fair water, then setting the vessel by to cool; the berries will subside to the bottom, and the wax cool on the top; it must then be taken off, and melted again by itself, in a clean earthen vessel, or a copper, that is well tinned upon the inside; when melted, it must be strained through a thin strainer, or fine sieve, into proper moulds, to form it into cakes. This wax has an agreeable

smell, and has long been regarded as an excellent medicine in the dysentery. It may be grated and mixed with loaf sugar, and children will take it very readily; they should take it several times a day, to be of any service. It is likewise used in ointments, for burns, and other complaints. In addition to all these virtues, it will make candles equal in hardness to spermaceti, and superior in fragrance. It is frequently used to impart an agreeable perfume to common household candles.

Balsam of Fir.

THIS elegant balsam is procured from an evergreen tree, a native of the northern parts of the United States, and of Canada, from whence it is styled in the Dispensatory, Canada balsam. It is however a common forest tree, and the balsam is procured from little globules on the trunk of the tree, and exudes upon pricking them, when it should be received into phials, and stopped close, as the air dries it, and renders it glutinous. This balsam is perfectly pellucid, and is said

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to possess all the virtues of the balsam copaiva. It is esteemed in domestic practice, in the neighbourhood where it grows, as almost a specific for green wounds and inward bruises.

Baum or Balm.

THIS well known and excellent herb needs no particular description; it is usually cultivated in our gardens, and is divided into two species, the high and the low baum; the low baum is in the highest esteem generally, and is undoubtedly very excellent in infusion for dry, parching fevers; the tea, acidulated with lemon juice or cream of tartar, should always form a variety, at least, in the diluting drinks, in all feverish complaints.

Blood Root.

THIS is a very valuable simple. It grows wild in the woods in New England. The juice of the fresh root resembles blood in the colour; the roots themselves look very

much like small red beets; I have never seen any larger than a man's finger. It is a very strong, pungent bitter. Rectified spirits extracts all its virtues, and a tincture of it is frequently used in domestic practice for the jaundice, weakness of the stomach, and many other complaints. It is a powerful styptic, peculiarly excellent for bleeding at the lungs, or stomach. It is also ascertained to be of great service to children who are subject to biles, and other purulent humours; for this purpose, the roots are cut in thin slices and toasted in the manner coffee is done; when perfectly brown, it must be put into a bottle, and equal quantities of rectified spirit and water added to it; after it has infused several days, a teaspoonful in a little water may be given a child of one or two years twice a day, until it has the desired effect; and if the child is older, the quantity may be increased to a table spoonful for a dose. When fresh, the root is both emetic and cathartic; toasting deprives it of those qualities in a great degree. I think it merits the attention of gentlemen of the faculty.

Burdock.

THIS is a well known plant, but its medicinal virtues are not duly estimated. It is said to be excellent in removing every obstruction. A table spoonful of the seed, bruised and taken in a little water, or any other menstrua, will often afford great relief in the ague in the face. I have repeatedly had occasion in the foregoing pages to recommend the leaves, as drafts in all febrile affections, which I now beg leave to enforce. Many people dry the leaves, and preserve them for this purpose, and, when wanted, boil them in vinegar and water, and apply them warm to the feet; there should be barely liquor enough to moisten the leaves.

Carua or Caraway Seeds.

THESE Seeds are so well known, and universally admired, for culinary purposes, I shall only observe that the essential oil, and simple distilled water, are the best cordial and carminative medicines I have ever used for infants.