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.