DERIVATIONS OF THE LATIN NAMES OF PLANTS. 25 



century. Chaucer speaks of it as a rare exotic in the fourteenth century ; and 

 Gerard in 1597, as ** a stranger in England, which groweth only in the walkes 

 and places of pleasure of noblemen." It makes a beautiful appearance in bloom 

 (in May), and affords much pabulum for Bees, smelling strongly of honey. 

 Gilpin observes, "It affords an impenetrable shade, and often receives well 

 contrasted masses of light. Its bark has not the furrowed roughness of the 

 Oak ; but it has a species of roughness very picturesque. In itself it is smooth ; 

 but it peels off in large flakes like the Planes (to which in other respects it bears 

 a near alliance), leaving patches of different lines, seams, and cracks, which are 

 often picturesque." It is highly ornamental in rural scenery, in spring, by the 

 delicate green of its luxuriant foliage, and in autumn, when 



" No tree of all the grove but has its charms ; 

 Though each its hue peculiar; 



* * * * nor unnoted pass 



The Sycamore, capricious in attire, 



Now green, now tawny, and ere Autumn yet 



Have changed the woods, in scarlet honours bright." 



Among the larger specimens of British growth Strutt describes one at Cobham 

 Park, which measures twenty-six feet in circumference at the ground, and ninety- 

 four in height ; also one at Bishopton, Renfrewshire, twenty feet in growth, and 

 sixty feet in height. To secure varieties (the principal of which is the striped) 

 for pleasure grounds, budding, grafting, and inarching are practised : and it may 

 be here observed, that variegated plants in general should be planted in poor 

 hungry soil, to encourage the disease which occasions these beautiful stripes, 

 thus causing them to become more distinct. But these fancy trees, when con- 

 firmed, show their peculiarities to more advantage in a good soil. 



Achillea (a^/XX£<«). — From Achilles, who is said to have cured Telephus 

 with it. 



Achillea ptarmica, Sneeze-wort Yarrow, or Goose-tongue. — The whole plant, 

 and especially the root, has a pungent, biting taste, and when chewed in the 

 mouth, like Pellitory of Spain (for which it is sometimes sold in the shops), it 

 promotes a flow of saliva, and is found serviceable in the cure of the tooth- 

 ache. In spring the young tender shoots are put into salads to correct 

 the coldness of other herbs. The dried powder of the leaves snuffed up the 

 nostrils excites sneezing ; hence it has acquired the name of Sneeze-wort. Horses, 

 Cows, Goats, Swine, and Sheep eat it ; to the latter it is particularly acceptable. 

 A variety with double flowers is not uncommon in gardens, where it is known 

 by the name of Double Ptarmica, or Bachelors' Buttons, but it shouldbe admitted 

 with caution, the creeping roots extending more rapidly than may be desirable. 



vol. III. — NO. XVI. e 



