Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/136

ii8] LIV a liquor made of the dried plant, and an equal quantity of copperas, in pure water ; then removing it from this brown dye, and again boiling it for fifteen minutes in a strong decoilion of log- wood : thus the wool assumes a deep black colour, which presents no other shade. 12. The pulmonarius, Lung- wort-Liverwort, Hazel'Rag, or Ha- zel Crottles, which abounds on the trunks of old trees, especially those of oaks, and on heaps of stones, in moist shady situations. — It has an astringent, bitter taste ; and is used in Siberia as a substitute for hops, though it renders the ale narcotic, and occasions the head-ach.— TJiis pjant was formerly much esteemed in consumptive cases. — According to Dr. Rutty, woollen cloth dyed vith the lungwort, acquires a dura- ble orange colour. 13. The caniniis, or Ash-colour- ed Ground Liverwort, which g;rows upon the ground among moss, at the roots of trees in shady woods ; and is frequently found on heaths, stony places, and in hedges : it is in flower throughout the year. — This species has acquired its cele- brity by Dr. Mead's assertion, that it is an infallible preventive of the consequences arising from the bite of a mad-dog. He directed half an ounce of the dried and pow- dered leaves to be mixed with two drams of pulverized black pepper, and divided into four doses: one of these was to be taken by the person bitten, every morning fast- ing, in half a pint of warm cow's milk, for four successive days : af- ter which he was to make use of the cold bath every morning, for a month. — It is, however, to be re- gretted, that the success of this, or of any <;iX'&x medicitie recommend- LIV cd for the same purpose, has bl^; seldom proved effeftual, 14. The cocciferus, or Scarlet- bearing Liverwort, which is com- mon on heaths, and flowers frona 0>5tober to April. This species assumes various appearances, ac- cording to its age, situation, an^l^ other circumstances atfefting its growth. It may, however, be easily distinguished by tlae fungous tubercles, which are of a beautiful scarlet tinge, and grow on the top of its stalk. These excresceqpes, when steeped in a solution of pot- ash, are said to impart a fine and durable purple. 15. The pUcatus, Officinal Stringy Liverwort, or Tree-moss, which grows on the branches c^ trees in thick woods, and is in flower from January to December. — It Avas formerly used as an astringent to prevent hoemorrhages, and to cure ruptures. — -Linn-bus observes, (hat the Laplanders suc- cessfully apply the iree-moss to their feet, with a view to relieve the excoriations occasioned by too great exercise. Professor Kalms remarks, that if rhis vegetable be collected from fir or birch-trees, it communicates a green colour to wool, previously boiled in alum- v/ater. 16. The harhatus, v. articulatus, or Bearded Liverwort, thrives in woods, and on the branches of trees ; flowering throughout the year. It grows from half a foot to two feet in length, is of a whitish-green cast, and possesses considerable astringency. — When steeped for some time in water, the whole plant acquires a red- orange colour ; which is employed by the inhabitants of Pennsylvania to impart that tinge to various stufls. 17. The