Kalmia. I have repeatedly chewed and swallowed a green leaf of the largest size, without perceiving the least effect in consequence. I have also seen the powder, freshly made from leaves recently dried, taken in doses of from ten to twenty grains, without any subsequent inconvenience or perceptible effect. The taste of these leaves is perfectly mild and mucilaginous, being less disagreeable than that of most of our common forest leaves. I am inclined to believe that the noxious effect of the Kalmia upon young grazing animals may be in some measure attributed to its indigestible quality, owing to the quantity of resin contained in the leaves. An ointment made of the powdered leaves has been recommended in tinea capitis and some other cutaneous affections. I have seen an eruption, very much resembling psora, removed by it. The wood of the Kalmia is hard and dense, approaching in its character to that of box. It is much used for the handles of mechanics' tools, &c. and it has even been employed as a material for musical instruments. As an ornamental shrub, this species stands in the highest rank, and by the frequency of its growth and the brilliancy of its flowers, it contributes in a great degree to the elegance of the natural scenery in those mountains and woods, which it inhabits. When cultivated in gardens, it requires a soil which is somewhat moist, and a shady or northern aspect. BOTANICAL REFERENCES. Kalmia latifolia, LIN. Sp. pl.-CURTIS, Bot. Mag. t. 175.MICHAUX f. Arbres forestiers, iii. 147, t. 5.-PURSH i. 296.-Chamædaphne foliis tini, &c.-CATESBY, Carolina, ii. t. 98.—Ledum floribus bullatis, &c. TREW, t. 38.-Cistus chamarhododendros, &c. PLUKENET, Phyt. t. 379, f. 6. MEDICAL REFERENCES. KALM, travels, i. 335, &c.-BART. Coll. i. 18, 48; ii. 26.THACHER, Disp. 247.-THOMAS, Inaugural dissertation. PLATE XIII. Fig. 1. Branches of Kalmia latifolia with flowers and fruit. Fig. 3. Calyx and pistil. SPIGELIA MARILANDICA. Carolina Pink root. PLATE XIV. We are told by different writers, that this fine plant is a native of all the southern states from Pennsylvania to Georgia and Louisiana, growing in rich soils, especially about the borders of woods. It does not bear the severity of a northern winter. For my living specimens I was indebted to my excellent and learned friend, the late Dr. James Macbride, of Charleston, S. C. The genus Spigelia has a funnel shaped corolla and a capsule, which is double, two celled and many seeded. The species Marilandica is perennial, with a simple stem and opposite leaves. Class Pentandria; order Monogynia. Natural orders Stellata, Lin. Gentianæ, Juss. The root of the Spigelia Marilandica is perennial, with many fibrous branches. The stalks proceed several from a root; they are simple |