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cultivated in many parts of England, formerly for medicinal purpossess, but more lately as an ornament. A vast accession of species nave, at different times, been, received from the Cape of Good Hope, and many of which are most beautiful and pleasing to the eye. The European species thrive and do very well in hedges and borders; but the Cape species require careful nursing, and to be treated like other bulbous roots from the same country, that is, potted in sandy leaf-mould, kept dry when dormant, fresh potted in October, and afterwards placed in a frame and regularly watered after they begin to grow. They continue in blossom from May till the middle of July.

Medical Properties and Uses. This species of gladiolus, was extensively used in the time of Galen, and was then considered extremely useful in the treatment of many chronic diseases, but of late has fell into disuse, and like many other very valuable medicinal plants, is not recognized as being officinal, either by the Edinburgh, London, or United States Pharmacopa's on which account it is, at the present time, but little known; although forgotten or neglected, its medical properties are valuable, and needs only to be tested to give it a place in our modern Materia Medica. It is both tonic and astringent, and can be safely employed both as an internal and external remedy.

The roots beaten up and mixed with a little meal, honey and lard, in the form of a poultice, is said to be a certain remedy for scrofulous swellings in the throat, tumors etc. The powder made from the leaves or seeds, taken freely, is highly recommended in cases of billious cholic, giving immediate relief. The fresh leaves bruised and applied to old sores and wounds, have proved very serviceable in cleansing them from putrid or foul matter, having a tendency to draw splinters, thorns and peices of broken bones out of the flesh. It is also found useful, applied externally, in reducing tumors, local swellings, inflamation, etc., in which cases the leaves or roots are powdered, made into a poultice, and applied.

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