MONK S-IIOOD. 141 



plant is Acofut, and tlic Italian Aconilo, and most 

 of the other European languages also derive it 

 from the Latin. 



We make it the emblem of knight-errantry, 

 because it rears its threatening and gloomy hel- 

 met as if to protect the gay favourites of Flora. 



The common Monk's-hood, Aconihim Napellus, 

 which elevates its dingy blue helmet flowers on 

 such exalted spikes from the month of May to 

 the end of July, is a native of Germany, and some 

 other parts of Europe. The white-flowered, Aco- 

 nitum Album, is from the Levant, and the yellow 

 species, Lycoctonum, is indigenous to the Alps 

 and other continental mountains. This latter 

 species, as well as the Blue Monk's-hood, has 

 been cultivated in our gardens for many ages, 

 since it is mentioned by our earliest writers on 

 plants. 



We shall not dwell upon the propagation of 

 these plants, since neither poison, Monk's-hood, 

 or Helmets, stand high in favour with the peace- 

 able florist. 



