The dipsacos[1858] has leaves like those of the lettuce, with prickly tubercles on the middle of the back. The stem of it, two cubits in length, is bristling all over with prickles of a similar nature. The joints of the stem are closely covered with two leaves, which form a concave axil in which a saltish dew-like liquid collects.[1859] At the summit of the stem there are small heads covered with prickles: it grows in watery localities. This plant is used for the cure of chaps of the fundament and of fistula; in which latter case the root is boiled down in wine to the consistency of wax, to allow of its being introduced into the fistula in the form of a salve.[1860] It is employed too, for the cure of all kinds of warts: as a liniment for which, the juice collected in the axils, as above mentioned, is also used by some. CHAP. 48.—THE DRYOPTERIS: TWO REMEDIES. The dryopteris,[1861] which resembles fern in appearance, is found growing upon trees; the leaves are of a somewhat sweetish[1862] flavour and marked with slight indentations, and the root is hairy. This plant is possessed of caustic properties,[1863] and hence the root is pounded and used as a depilatory. In using it the skin is rubbed with it till perspiration is excited, the operation being repeated a second and a third time, care being taken not to remove the perspiration. CHAP. 49.—THE DRYOPHONON. The dryophonon[1864] is a similar plant, with thin stems a cubit in length, and surrounded on either side with leaves about as large as the thumb and like those of the oxymyrsine[1865] in appearance, only whiter and softer: the blossom is white, and similar to that of the elder. The shoots of it are eaten boiled, and the seed is used as a substitute for pepper. CHAP. 50.—THE ELATINE: TWO REMEDIES. The elatine[1866] has leaves like those of the helxine,[1867] diminutive, round, and hairy; its branches are small, half a foot in length, five or six in number, and covered with leaves from the root upwards. It grows in corn-fields, and has a rough flavour: hence it is found very useful for defluxions of the eyes, the leaves being beaten up and applied with polenta[1868] in a linen pledget. A decoction of this plant with linseed, taken in pottage, is good for dysentery. CHAP. 51.—EMPETROS, BY OUR PEOPLE CALLED CALCIFRAGA: FOUR REMEDIES.