The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-04-29
The Pricklv ComfreY.

This Is the common name OF plant IN
troduced into England many years since
that appears to have attracted much attcI-
ton OF late rs n nutritious and Wholesome
food for cattle and horses. 1t was OIL
ginally brought from the Caucasus, ana IS
variety very distinct from what is known as
comfrev in this country. 1t is said that
there are thirteen varieties OF this plant;
but that this especial kind, native OF the
Caucasus, is the only one that is suitable for
food for stock. Its technical name i5 Symphy-
tum ASperrimum. 1t is grown from root
cuttings which are obtained from the
parent plant. The seeds arc said to be in
fertile, and being fructfed from the pollen
of kindred plants, they produce hybrids
that are not good for food.
The plants, once established, are ever dill
fcult to eradicate, and arc said rather to
improve than deterioratc Tor number OF
years. Many varieties OF soil arc congenial
with its growth, and it produces wonder
fully.
We gather this information from panph-
Let before Us published in London, and are
induced to direct the attention OF our farm
erS to it because OF the surprising state
ments made concerning it. II those state
ments be true this plant would be Il ralua-
bic acquisition to the agriculture OF this
State. The pamphlet to which we allude
states the yield of the plant to be from sixty
TO one hundred and twenty tons per acre
1t further states that it is eaten kindly ny
cattle and horses, and that it is healthiul to
the degree of protecting animals from foot
and-mouth- and other diseases that may
exist on neighhoring farms.
The farmer will no doubt be amazed at
the vast yield ascribed to this plant. Sur
prise, however, is somewhat lessencd when
it is stated that the leaves are gathered re-
peatedly during the season, from early
spring until frost in the fall. The leaves
begin to show themselves in April, and may
be pluckcd at the beginning OF May. They
are rapidly reproduced after plucking; and
even when the whole crown is taken of il
is restored in n couple Of weeks. 1t is OK
cellent for soilinG, and mich COWS thrive
and improve in health upon it.
These statements we gather from the
pamphlet aforesaid, and while not being
able to youch for their accuracy, we may
properly say that such statements are
worthy OF being tested by the agriculture
community OF this latitude. We all know
that farming in Virginia has not been wisel!
conducted with respect to the cultivation
and outstanding of long food for stock; bu
even under the best system such auxiliar.
assistance as would be afforded by this re
markable plant-all that is said Of it being
true-would be most welcome to the agri
cultural community.
We omitted to say at the proper poin
above that the comfrey is recommended
when cured as valuable winter food fol
horses and cattle alike. 1t retains its medici
nal virtues when dried. yields a tonic muci
lage, and is a diuretic.
At the last meeting OF the Tuckahoe Ag
ricultural Society Mr.. AsIiBURNER, an enter
prising gentleman from England who ha
recently become an adopted citizen of Viz
ginia, showed cutting and 4 growing plan
in flower-pot that was in flourishing con
dition. He has procured some two thou
sand cuttings, and has planted them on hi
farm near this city. We shall, therefore
have the opportunity OF seeing how the
succeed, and what may be done with tn
Symphytum Asperrimlm.