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.