The dryopteris,1861 which resembles fern in appearance, is found growing upon trees; the leaves are of a somewhat sweetish1862 flavour and marked with slight indentations, and the root is hairy. This plant is possessed of caustic properties,1863 and hence the root is pounded and used as a depilatory. In using it the skin is rubbed with it till perspiration is excited, the operation being repeated a second and a third time, care being taken not to remove the perspiration.