Sassafras.

THIS is an American tree of the laurel kind. The bark of the root, and indeed of the whole tree, is very aromatic, not unlike mace in its taste, and was used in the late American war as spice, by many highly patriotic people. "As to the virtues of sassafras, it is a warm aperient and corroborant, and frequently employed with good success, for purifying the blood and juices; for these purposes an infusion made from the raspsed root or bark, may be used as tea. Sassafras yields an extremely fragrant essential oil, of a penetrating pungent taste, so ponderous, notwithstanding the lightness of the drug itself, as to sink in water."

Edinburgh Dispensatory.

Sumach.

THE Wood of this tree, which grows wild in every part of the United States, is a very beautiful bright yellow, and has been made

into snuff boxes and other toys, and sent to Europe by way of curiosity. The leaves, berries, and seeds, have an acid, astringent taste, and are very efficacious, in gargles, for the canker, and inflammations of the tonsils. The bark of the root bruised and boiled in milk and water, and a little indian meal stirred into it, while cooling, makes an excellent application for burns, and is said to prevent an eschar.

Thorough Wort or Stanch Blood.

THE names of this herb are highly indicative of its qualities. It is an umbelliferous plant, and is remarkable for the stock appearing to grow through the leaves. I don't find it in the Edinburgh Dispensatory, and am not scientific enough to give a technical account of its properties. However, it grows wild in most parts of New England, and is in great esteem among the inhabitants, as an emetic and cathartic. It frequently gives relief in bilious colics, when all other medicines are ejected, or fail of the desired effect. It has a bitter, astrin

gent taste, and is a well known styptic. It will stop the bleeding of fresh wounds, for which purpose the leaves may be applied green, or powdered on when dry. But its superior excellence lies in its efficacy in curing internal hæmorrhages. Drinking a pint of tea made from this plant, every night, for twelve months, cured my father of a dangerous bleeding at the stomach, which had baffled the physician's skill, for seven years, and he appeared fast sinking to his grave. After this, he lived many years in perfect health.

Strawberry Bush.

THE well known, and delicious fruit, the product of this bush or plant, it may seem, renders it so well known as not to require any further description; but although as a dessert it is known, its medicinal virtues are not so well understood. Many, perhaps, are to be told, that the plant taken in infusion as a tea, is excellent for the jaundice; that the leaves bruised and applied to a fresh wound, will stop bleeding, and what

will be more interesting to the ladies, the fruit is said to dissolve tartareous incrustations of the teeth. Surely so elegant a dentifrice cannot easily be formed by art. The fruit is also said to be peculiarly efficacious in curing long and obstinate diarrhoeas, and an excellent remedy for the scurvy.

Violets.

"(Io triumph!) now, now the Spring comes on, "In solemn state and high procession,

"Whilst I, the beauteous Violet, before him go, "And usher in the gaudy-show.

"As it becomes the child of such a sire,

"I'm wrapt in purple; the first born of Spring, "The marks of my legitimation bring,

"And all the tokens of his verdant empire wear. "Clad like a princely babe, and born in state, "I all your regal titles hate,

"Nor priding in my blood, and mighty birth, "Unnatural plant, despise the lap of Mother Earth."

COWLEY.

In April, these lovely little flowers adorn our fields in great abundance; perfuming the air, as if commissioned by a Bountiful Parent to regale and delight his vast fami

ly, after the tedious lapse of ungenial winter, and seem designed by nature for a medicine for her infant offspring, at this season, when the blood requires something laxative and aperient, for which purpose there is nothing superior to a syrup of violets. It is thus prepared : "Take of fresh violets, one pound; boiling water, two quarts; double refined sugar, seven pounds and a half; macerate the flowers in the water twentyfour hours, in a glass, or glazed earthen vessel; then strain, and to the strained liquor, add the sugar powdered, and make into a syrup; a table spoonful or two proves gently laxative to children."

Edinburgh Dispensatory.