Cummins, Maria

SUSANNA, novelist, born at Salem, Ma ., April 10, 1827. Her first and most succe ful novel was the Lamplighter. The sale of this work in America alone has exceeded 120,000 copies, 40,000 being sold in the two months following its publication. This work has been translated into both French and German. Her other novels include: Mabel Vaughan; Haunted Hearts, ., besides contributions to the Atlantic Monthly and various magazines. Died in Dor chester, Ma ., Oct. 1, 1866, Cu'mulative Vote. See REPRESENTATION OF MINOR ITIES. Cunduran'go. ( Bot .) The name given in Ecuador to a plant found in the province of Loya, and said to be the same species called guaco in Colombia ( Mikania guaco ). It is claimed to be useful in the cure of cancer, scrofula, and other blood diseases. Its virtues are said to have been first discovered by accident. An Indian had been suffering for a long time from internal cancer, and his wife undertook to relieve him by shortening his life with poison. For this purpose she selected the C.; but, not being able to obtain it at the time of its fruit bearing, she made a decoction of the bark. To her astonishment, the first application appeared to benefit the patient rather than otherwise, and by a continuance of this remedy he was completely cured in a short time. Much controversy has arisen as to the real virtue of the plant, and its actual value has yet to be clearly demonstrated.