m FLORA HISTORICA. 



escaped our observation, and we have never 

 found it in any situation where it seemed to be 

 indigenous. It is a native of most parts of the 

 continent, from Italy to Lapland, but is found 

 more abundantly in Switzerland and France than 

 in any other country. In France it is called 

 Epilobe a epi, Osier Fkuri, and Laurier Saint 

 Antoine; and, as St. Anthony was the founder of 

 monastic institutions, we have made his favourite 

 plant the emblem of celibacy. 



The French Willow prospers best in a moist 

 soil, and it will succeed in shady situations. It 

 is so easily propagated from the runners that it 

 is unnecessary to raise it from seed, the only art 

 required in its cultivation is to keep the roots 

 within due bounds. This plant would be a great 

 ornament to our hedgerows, where we hope to 

 see it flourishing, in order that it may more fre- 

 quently fall under the notice of modern poets, 

 since it appears to have been hitherto entirely 

 neglected by the bards of our country. 



