GEUM, AVENS, or Herb-Barnet: A genus of the polygamia order, belonging to the icofandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 35th order, Senticosa. The calyx is cleft into ten parts; there are five petals, and each of the seeds has a jointed awn. There are five species; of which the most remarkable are, 1. The urbanum, with thick fibrous roots of an aromatic taste, rough, serrated leaves, and upright, round, hairy stalks terminated by large yellow
yellow flowers, succeeded by globular fruit. 2. The rivule, with a very thick, fleshy, and fibrous root, hairy leaves, and upright stalks, 10 or 12 inches high, terminated by purple flowers nodding on one side. Of this there are varieties with red and with yellow flowers.—Both these are natives of Britain, and are easily propagated either by the root or seed. The roots of the first, gathered in the spring before the stem comes up, and infused in ale, give it a pleasant flavour, and prevent its growing sour. Infused in wine, they have a stomachic virtue. The taste is mildly austere and aromatic, especially when the plant grows in warm dry situations; but in moist shady places, it hath little virtue. Cows, goats, sheep, and swine, eat the plant; horses are not fond of it.—The powdered root of the second species will cure tertian agues, and is daily used for that purpose by the Canadians. Sheep and goats eat the plant; cows, horses, and swine, are not fond of it.