Order II (II)
EQUISETACEÆ.
Marsh plants, with a verticillate arrangement of their branches, and a highly indurated epidermis. Their seeds are remarkable for a hygrometrical movement. The quality of some is said to be hurtful to cattle, which is denied by others. Formerly they were used in medicine as astringents and diuretics. Equisétum hyemale has been employed for tea, and as a polishing material for furniture, under the name of Dutch ? rushes. 2211 Equisétum L.
ORDER III.
LYCOPODINEÆ.
With the habits of mosses they have the seeds of ferns. They are herbaceous prostrate plants, with imbricated simple leaves. Lycopódium complanátum, Selágo, and clavátum as used as dyes; the sporules of Lycopódium clavátum are said to be employed for ameliorating wine, and are also used in making fire-works, on account of their inflammable nature. The herb of Lycopódium clavátum and Selágo is emetic, and produces abortion. Lycopódium phlegmária is reputed an aphrodisiac. 2212 Lycopódium L. 2213 Psilótum Swz.