SPECIES
Alnus Glutinosa (GAERTN.)

DESCRIPTION
This fast growing riverside tree keeps its leaves until late into autumn. fruit 'cones' last through winter and are joined in spring by yellow-green catkins.

CONSTITUENTS
The bark and young shoots contain from 16 to 20 per cent of tannic acid, but so much colouring matter that they are not very useful for tanning. This tannin differs from that of galls and oak-bark, and does not yield glucose when acted upon by sulphuric acid, which, it is stated, resolves it into almine red and sugar.

USES
Tonic and astringent. A decoction of the bark is useful to bathe swellings and inflammations, especially of the throat, and has been known to cure ague. Peasants on the Alps are reported to be frequently cured of rheumatism by being covered with bags full of the heated leaves.