SPICE-BUSH

or Benjamin Bush, or Wild Allspice (Benzoin e@stivale), a large shrub native to the eastern and central states, whose aromatic twigs have frequently served for tea making, especially in earlier days when money and grocery-stores were le widely distributed. The twigs were boiled for fifteen minutes or more and the resulting beverage was sweetened and modified by the addition of milk. The infusion is distinctly stimulant. The dried berries have also been used both medicinally and for spicing puddings, pastry, and preserves.