SOWBREAD; a genus of the mono- gynia order, belonging to the pentandra clas of plants. There are but two species; which, however produce many beautiful varieties. They are low her- baceous, flowery perennials of the tuberous rooted kind, with numerous, angular, heart-shaped, spotted, marbled leaves; with many fleety foot-talks six inches high, carrying monopetalous, five-parted reflexed flowers of various colours. All the varieties are ex- tremely ornamental, and some of the flowers very fragrant. fragrant. They may be planted in any of the common borders, but require to be sheltered from hard frosts by being covered with mats. They should also have a light dry soil, otherwise their roots are apt to rot. The species are propagated by seeds, and the particular varieties by dividing their roots.

The root of the cyclamen has, when fresh, an extremely acrimonious, burning taste, which it loses almost entirely on being dried. It is recommended as an emetic; in cataplasms for scrofulous and cancerous tumours; as internally as a cathartic, detergent, and aperient. It operates very slowly, but with great virulence, inflaming the fauces and intestines.