PERFUMED PLANTS. 243 



Crucifer, the honey-scented Alyssum maritimum 

 which sprinkles the stony ground, distilling sweetness 

 from its myriad small white flowers. Then Thyme 

 and Mint and other Labiates abound, shedding, as we 

 walk over them, a stronger and more penetrating 

 perfume. Here and there the neighbouring Orange 

 grove sends a waft of rich scented air to mingle with 

 the breath of humbler plants. And when we come 

 upon a bit of broken ground, we are wrapped in the 

 resinous exhalations of the Aleppo pine. 



The particular odour which Napoleon preferred 

 is said to be that of the Cistus Monspeliensis a white - 

 flowered shrub, with sessile viscous leaves, which 

 occurs here and there on the Kiviera. The leaves of 

 the little Yellow Marigold (Calendula arvensis) are 

 also highly aromatic, likewise those of the Calamint 

 so common here. Notice the spreading cymes of this 

 plant, which reveal to us the secret of the verticillaster 

 or false whorl in the Labiates. Southernwood 

 (Artemisia abrotanum) is indigenous, but I never 

 found it. Euphorbia spinosa has delicately perfumed 

 flowers, and those of the Smilax are used to flavour 

 drinks. 



These are the all-pervading perfumes of the 

 Olive hills : but we must add many an aromatic shrub, 

 such as the Myrtle and the Rosemary. Nor must we 

 forget the Roses, the Jasmin, the Violets, the so-called 

 Geranium (Pelargonium odomtissimum), the Tuberose 

 (Polianthes tuberosa) 



" The Tuberose, with her silvery light, 



That in the gardens of Malay 

 Is called the mistress of the night," 



and the other sweet-scented plants which are cultivated 



lOA 



