Linnean System of Plants. ^^Sf 



of the species are British) ; of the second order we have but 

 one genus ; and of the third, not any example. 



To the first order belong the ash tree, and that beautiful 

 spear-leaved * shrub called the Privet {Jig, 91. \ bearing 

 thyrses of white flowers in the summer, and bitter black berries 

 in the winter. One of the pret- ^^ 97 



tiest of the flowers that 



** Do paint the meadows with delight/' 



in the months of May and June, 

 is a species of Veronica, another 

 genus of this order, supposed to 

 derive its name from the saint so 

 called. This plant, commonly 

 called the Germander Speedwell, 

 grows plentifully in hedges, mea- 

 dows, &c. ; and, as it will bear 

 removal when in flower, if care- 

 fully uprooted, may be trans- 

 ferred to a garden-pot, and admired at leisure. Another genus 

 of the ten afore-mentioned is the Circae'a, or Enchanter's 

 Nightshade, named from the enchantress Circe, and formerly 

 believed to be a preservative against every species of magical 

 incantation; alike defying the power of sorcerers, witches, 

 demons, and evil spirits, of every denomination. One of the 

 species is common in moist and shady situations ; and, to say 

 nothing of the extraordinary virtues attributed to it, is well 

 worth seeking for its delicate and elegant appearance; the 

 stem and leaves are frequently tinged, more or less, with a 

 bright red, contrasting beautifully with the two little white, or 

 pale rose-tinged, petals. 



Among foreigners of the same class and order, we may 

 reckon some of our most popular favourites ; as the jasmines 

 and the lilac trees ; the snowdrop tree, now become a general 

 tenant of the English shrubbery; rosemary, which, though not 

 a native, has been found, for many years past, in every village 

 garden ; sage, familiar to us all from its culinary uses ; and the 

 olive, the tree presented to the city of Athens by the goddess 

 of- wisdom, and considered, not only as the emblem, but the 

 maker, of peace, since it has been asserted that a few drops of 

 its oil will calm the turbulent ocean itself. Even the rapacity 

 of the plague may be checked, it is said, by anointing the body 

 with olive oil, which secures it from the infection of that fierce 

 disease, as well as of the yellow fever. It is also reputed as a 



* Botanically termed lanceolate ; shaped like a lance or spear. 

 R 2 



