Following Linnaeus’s request, Abraham Argillander has collected and sent seeds from the Finnish Arabis.
The Arabic Astragalus was found in June close to Tavastehus castle in Finland. The flowers were white and blue.
Cicuta, [cowbane (in English), sprängört (in Swedish), storört (Tavaste dialect) and isoyrti (in Finnish)] are considered to have lethal toxic effects. In Tavastland, however, Argillander learnt that even these poisonous plants, if properly prepared, might be an excellent prophylactic against various diseases in cattle. The dried and pulverised roots, mixed with salt, can be given to beasts as much as they want, without any harmful effect whatsoever. Argillander got to know this from Emanuel Foenander. He also learnt a lot from Martin Martinius. It can also be given to humans as a panacea.
In a large lake in Tavastland, Argillander has been told that there is a huge fish called Säkä. He asks if this could possibly be a sturgeon.
The tiny herb Argillander sent Linnaeus last year was probably a Juncus.