FLORA AND THALIA. 75 



LAVENDER. 



(^Lavandula spica.) 



This plant is perennial, and grows spontaneously 

 in many of the southern parts of Europe, of which 

 it is a native. It flowers from July to September, 

 and from the fragrance of its blossom, is now so ge- 

 nerally cultivated, that we can scarcely enter a gar- 

 den where it is not to be found. To most people 

 the perfume is agreeable, and the weU-known Laven- 

 der water, so refreshing in a warm or crowded room, 

 is made from its flowers. According to Dr. Cullen, 

 Lavender is, when taken internally or applied exter- 

 nally, a powerful stimulant to the nervous system. 

 The corollas of this plant are as it were turned 

 topsy turvy, that which is the upperpart in most 

 others being the lower in this, and vice versa : the 

 calyces are supported by a bracte, and the stamens 

 lie within the tube. 



• Class, DxDYJfAMiA. Order, Gymnospermia. 



