286 FLORA HISTORICA. 



plant is known throughout Europe, is the original 

 name by which it was received from the Turks. 

 It is called Thorn-apple from the nature of its 

 fruit. 



Nicolaus Monardes, a Spanish physician, tells 

 us in his work published in 1564, that he received 

 the first seeds of this plant from Peru, under the 

 Indian name of Cachos, and that it came strongly 

 recommended to him as a medicinal plant, which 

 the Indians, as well as the Spaniards, in Peru, held 

 in high estimation. 



The Purple Thorn-apple, Datura Fastuosa, of 

 which there is a variety with double flowers, is 

 much more desirable for the garden than the com- 

 mon Stramonium. The flowers of this species are 

 of a fine purple on their outside, and of a glossy 

 white within. These have an agreeable odour for 

 the moment, but if long smelt to it becomes less 

 pleasing. This species is a native of the East 

 Indies and Egypt, and was first cultivated in this 

 country by Mr. Miller, in the year 1731. 



