The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-04-28
TFoR THE CHARLOTTE DEMOCRAT.
The Pitcher Plant.


The plant which forms the caption of this ar
sice, and of which it is proposed to give bret
description, is not only possessed OF valuable
remedial properties, but claims our admiration as
one of the numerous vegetable curresities found
in the kingdom of nature. 1t grows IN wet
meadows from Maine TO Florida, and is the only
species which has Northern as well as Southern
range There are five other species, all OF which
are found in North Carolina, and most OF them
in several of the Southern States. The Leaves
Of the speciesu under consideration are all rudtcal
that il, proceed from tae root hollow, slightly
curved and trumpet shaped, nearly closed at the
top and always contain some water. The inside
of the leaf, at this narrow opening, Is thlckly
covered with innumerable fine bristle-llke pro-
cesses, pointing downWards Through this mar
row tubular orifce, generally moist with sac
charine substance, small insects may easily enter
Oike many bijpeds to crafty idle curiosity, but
to retrace their steps is difficult and almost
hopeless task. Hence many OF these little IN
truders are enticed by the tempting sweets be-
fore them, and, sinner-like, are fatally submerged
in the gulf below! What may be the design of
this singular structure in the economy of the
plant is 4 physiological inqaisS wssseh has aot
been satisfactorily explained. 1t is known that
the brown thrush, and other allied birds, are at
traeted to these repositories of dead insects pick
holes in the leaves, and thus readily obtain their
coveted food. The scape, or stem, Is about one
foot high, and supports single, purple flower,
turning downwards. Although an aquatic plant,
It has been introduced, to a limited extent IN
botanic gardens and under judicious manage
ment, forms a handsome vegetable curiosity.
But my chief object at present is to call pubic
attention to other and more important uses OF the
Pitcher Plant Within the last five or six years
it has been ascertained by several distinguished
physicians in England that it is an almost In
fallble cure in the treatment of that highly IN
fictitious and often fatal disease, the smallpox.
1t is true its medical virtues had been previously
known to one or more tribes of Indians, but these
had been ignored or neglected for inferior RENE
dies, until recent trials have fully determined It's
efficiency The writer has found it in Castor
and Lincoln counties, n. c., and no doubt it may
be discovered in many other localities OF the
South. Every physician and intelligent farmer
should make themselves acquainted with 1t. Its
peculiar hollow, trumpct-shaped leaves, deLcately
tinged with purple, will readily distinguish il
from ether plants. It's preparation is simple and
easy, and may be administered in the form OF
decoction or infusion.
The following recipe has been given, to be
modified according to the nature of the case
Take an ounce of the root, the only part used
shce 1t, put 1t In quart OF water ana simmer
down to pint; of which give two tablespoonful
doses every four hours, while the patient is vel
nourished with beef tea, and arrow-root, or Other
farinaceous diet Even severe forms Of small
pox (confuent cases. where the pustulcs run into
each other, have yielded to its potent curative
properties. 1t arrests the development Of the
pustules, changes the character Of the disease
killing as it were, the riirus from within, and
thus removes the cause of piting, in itself great
point gained. Considerable quantities Of it ar>
now exported from the Northern States to supply
the English hospitals, and our own physicians
should not be negligent in appropriating so val
liable boon Providentialy placed before them
A specimen of this plant will be left, for short
time, with the Editor for the inspection of al
who may take an interest in knowing the native
vegetable remedies of our country, and thei1
practical administration. G. l.. II.