CHAP. 48.—THE DRYOPTERIS: TWO REMEDIES.
The dryopteris, [Note] which resembles fern in appearance, is
found growing upon trees; the leaves are of a somewhat sweetish [Note] flavour and marked with slight indentations, and the
root is hairy. This plant is possessed of caustic properties, [Note]
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.
