174 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



flower, so artificially arranged that the flowers, being up- 

 permost, afforded a mattress at once elastic and fragrant. 

 Cloaks, and such bedding as could be collected, stretched 

 over this vegetable couch, made it both soft and warm." 

 — Rob Roy, chap. 20. 



HELIOTROPE. 



HELIOTROPIUM. 



HELIOTROPE.E. PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



The word Heliotrope is derived from two Greek words, signifying 

 the sun, and to turn : the leaves or flowers of this plant having been 

 supposed to turn with the sun. For the same reason it is called Turn- 

 sole, which is, indeed, only a French translation of the Greek name. 

 The Italians call the common European species, orologio dei corte- 

 giani [courtiers' dial] ; eliotropio ; verrucaria. — French, V heliotrope 

 commun ; 1' herbe aux verrues ; le verrucaire, from its use in taking 

 off warts; le tournesol. 



The Peruvian Heliotrope is chiefly admired for its 

 fragrance : it is an elegant and delicate plant, but not 

 showy. The blossom is very small, of a pale blue, often 

 inclining to white, and shedding an almond-like perfume, 

 which has gained the plant general favour. It should be 

 housed in autumn, before the weather becomes sharp. If 

 in a pure atmosphere, it will flower great part of the 

 winter: but, though carefully guarded from cold, it must 

 be placed where the air is refreshed by frequent venti- 

 lation. In dry summer weather it should have a little 

 water every evening: in winter, not more than twice or 

 thrice a week, and very little at a time. 



The Indian, Glaucous, and Small-flowered kinds are 

 annual plants — natives of the West Indies — flowering in 

 June, July, and August ; and may be treated in the same 

 manner as the Peruvian. 



