Order XXX
HIPPOCASTANEE.
The only genus is Æ'sculus, from which some botanists have divided the smooth-fruited species under the name of Pávia. The order is much valued for the grandeur of the foliage and flowers of most of the species, which are all hardy trees. Their bitter fruit has sometimes been used as a sternutatory; it contains a large quantity of potash, and an abundance of starch. The bark is astringent, bitter, and febrifugal, and has been recommended as a substitute for Cinchóna. 866 A/sculus W.