HERBS. 365. 
be usefully made from the leaves, so strong as to be sweet, and 
glutinous ; liquorice root, and honey may be added, and a 
decoction prepared therefrom if preferred. The older authors 
named this plant ‘“‘ Filius ante patrem,” (the son before the 
father), because the starlike golden flowers appear, and wither, | 
before the broad sea-green leaves are produced, and become 
conspicuous. 
It is useful, and pleasant, to know that for sound physical 
reasons a moderate supper of bread and butter, with crisp, fresh 
lettuces (perhaps also a spring onion or two), and light, home- 
brewed ale made with Hops, is admirably calculated to promote 
healthy sleep (except for a full-blooded, plethoric person, whe 
should fare otherwise). 
The Hop (Humulus lupulus) grows wild in our hedges, and 
copses, with only male flowers; but when cultivated in the 
Hop garden it produces also the female catkins, or strobiles, 
which are commonly known as Hops, and are largely used for 
brewing purposes. The Hop was employed by the Saxons, 
and was imported into England from Flanders (1524). Soon 
afterwards a petition was presented to Parliament against the 
use of Hops, describing the plant as “‘ a wicked weed which will 
spoil the taste of drink, and endanger the people.” Persons 
have fallen into a deep sleep after remaining for some while in 
a storehouse of Hops. ‘‘ Hops,” says Evelyn, in his Pomona 
(1670), “transmuted our wholesome ale into beer, which 
doubtless much altered our constitutions, This one ingredient, 
by some suspected not unworthily, preserves the drink indeed, 
but repays the pleasure with tormenting diseases, and a shorter 
life.” The “‘ hops,” or chaffy capsules of the flower seeds, turn 
brown early in the autumn; they possess a heavy, fragrant, 
aromatic odour, and a very bitter, pungent taste. The yellow 
glands at the base of their scales afford a volatile, strong-smelling 
oil, and an abundant yellow powder (lupulin) which possesses. 
most of the virtues owned by the plant. Various Simples may 
be made from the Hop (such as Hop tea, Hop wine, and the 
Lupulin given in powder), each of which will ease pain, and lull 
to sleep. Hop tea is an excellent drink in delirium tremens ; 
also it will give ease to an irritable bladder. Sherry in which 
Hops have been steeped is a capital stomachic cordial. And a 
pillow stuffed with newly-dried Hops was successfully prescribed 
by Dr. Willis for our King George the Third when sedative 
