Senticosa.

RIBES SANGUINEUM.

HIGH BLACKBERRY.

Class XII. ICOSANDRIA. Order V. POLYGYNIA.

Gen. Char. Calyx, superior, campanulate, five-cleft. Petiole and Stamen inserted upon the calyx. Style two-cleft. Berry many-seeded.

Spe. Char. Leaves acutely lobed, dentate, reticulate-rugose. Racems, rather loose, many-flavored, stiffly erect. hisped.

Berries

The root of this elegant and fruitful bramble is long, slender, woody, branched, internally of a white or yellowish appearance, externally of a dark brown, and sends forth numerous small succulent fibres; the stem is erect, strong, ribbed, armed, much branched near the tops, of a greyish-red color, and rises from three to five feet in height; the leaves are inversely ovate, blunt, entire, dentate, serrated, veined, and stand four or five together upon simple footstalks; the flowers are first of a deep red, but afterwards fade into a light pink color, and appear on the stalk in slender pendulous racems; the calyx is composed of six leaflets, which are ovate, concave, colored, deciduous, alternately larger and smaller; the corolla consists of six petals, which are roundish, concave, and at the base furnished with two small oblong orange colored nectaries; the filaments are six, erect, compressed, tapering, shorter than the petals, and terminated by double anthers, which adhere to their sides; the germen is cylindrical, and about the length of the filaments; style none; stigma circular, flat, and surrounded by a sharp border; the

fruit is a red berry composed of several roundish granulations, collected into a knob, and placed upon a conical receptacle; each granulation has one cell which contains a small kidney-shaped seed.

It has been said that this species of blackberry is a native of Europe, but from what authority, or source of accurate knowledge of its origin, that it could have been so considered, we are unable to account, for certainly it is, that when this country was first discovered by the Europeans, which was long before the introduction of any foreign plant, the high, or bush blackberry, (so called from its shrub-like and robust appearance,) was found in all parts of the New England States, growing in open woods, on the south side of mountains, and in rocky and waste places. From this we are led to believe that this species of blackberry is a native of this country, and especially when we take into consideration the innumerable quantities produced, and the vast extent of territory in which it is found growing in a wild state. We do not remember of seeing, nor can we learn from its history, that it has ever been cultivated in this country; although it produces large quantities of fruit, of a rich and highly palatable flavor, and can be multiplied to any extent, which would in our opinion richly repay the labor, and prove a source of profit, not only for medicinal purposes, but a grateful and wholesome addition to the luxuries of our markets.

Medical Properties and Uses. The roots of this plant have long been considered as one of the most valuable astringent and tonic medicines in the Materia Medica. From the earliest period of history they have been a favorite domestic remedy in bowel affections; and from popular favor have passed into regular practice. Given in the form of decoction, they prove acceptable to the stomach, and not offensive to the taste, and can be employed with great advantage in cases of diarrhoea from relaxation of the bowels, either in adults or children. We would also add our own testimony to that of others who have spoken favorably of their use in this complaint; and many other cases where astringents are found servicable.

NAT. ORDER.-SENTICOSE.

137

Blackberry Sirup. The following is a valuable receipt for a sirup, which may be made from the roots of the blackberry, in combination with a few other articles; and if properly prepared, proves one of the most valuable remedies that can be found in the vegetable catalogue; from several years experience, and a practical knowledge of its effects upon many cases of diarrhoea, the author can bear testimony, as its superior powers to most of the medicines, usually prescribed for those complaints, and on this account has deemed it incumbent on himself, to make known to others the articles employed, that they may have an opportunity, (should it be required,) of administering this remedy. Take of Ribes sanguineum, Blackberry, (by some called High Briar root,) eight ounces; Myrica cerifera, Bayberry bark, four ounces; Geranium maculatum, Cranesbill, two ounces; Balsamodendron myrrha, Gum myrrh, one ounce; Cinnamomum aromaticum, common Cinnamon, one ounce; Foeniculum vulgare, Fennel-seed, half an ounce; Carum carui, Caroway, the seed, half an ounce; Capsicum bacatum, Bird pepper, half an ounce. The whole should be put into four quarts of water, and steeped six or eight hours, then to be strained and reduced to two quarts; then add, while hot, two and a half pounds loaf sugar; let it stand until cold and add, Tinctura opii, which is made from the Papaver somniferum, Laudanum two fluid ounces; Essence of Cinnamon one fluid ounce; and one and a half pints of best French Brandy.

A table-spoonfull is a suitable dose for an adult, repeated according to circumstances, or as the urgency of the case may require. Many physicians whose practical observation and experience, certainly entitles their opinions to respect, have recommended this compound in the treatment of cholera, and speak of it as being unrivalled in the treatment of this complaint also.

END OF VOL. I.

ADVERTISEMENT.

Now being compiled, and will soon be ready for the press, A SYSTEMATIC BOTANICAL DICTIONARY, (alphabetically arranged,) giving the latin and common names of all the principal plants contained in the Materia Medica. Also, a Glossary of the Technical, Botanical, and Latin terms, accompanied with an introduction and full explanation of the Linnæan Artificial System of Botany. A description of the classes, and of the different orders attached to each class; the natural orders and their classifications, all arranged and explained in such a manner as will at once explain to the student what has heretofore seemed to him a mystery. The whole when complete will be an invaluable assistant to the Botanist, Druggist, Physician, and Student. Science cannot exist without system, for it is this which adds symmetry and beauty to its temple, and without which the most valuable materials would lie in a rude and shapeless mass.

The principle of systematic arrangement being thus essentially interwoven with science, it is obvious that perfection in classification can only be attained when science itself shall have become perfect. Such an era of intellectual glory is, however, never to be expected, and we must be contented to approximate what we can

not reach.

The work will be embellished with several colored plates, which will illustrate the dissected parts of plants.

Subscribers and others wishing to obtain this valuable acquisition to their Botanical Library, can obtain it of the publishers of the "Flora." Price in pamphlet form 50 cents.