COMPOUND FLOWERS. 321 



that the compound flowers constitute about one-tenth of 

 all described plants ; their properties vary considerably 

 in different parts of the world, but not according to 

 any known rule. The Chicory Group are, however, most 

 abundant in cold regions, the Daisy Group in hot 

 climates. Again, it may be remarked, that, in cold and 

 temperate regions, the Compositse are mostly herbaceous ; 

 but as we approach the equator they become shrubs, or 

 even trees. The variety of properties which they pos- 

 sess is not proportionate to the immense number of 

 species. Bitterness, in a greater or less degree, is a 

 characteristic of nearly all, to which is sometimes added 

 astringency, and many possess tonic or narcotic proper- 

 ties. Chicory, or Succory, is cultivated as a salad, but 

 more frequently for the sake of its roots, which are 

 roasted and mixed with ground coffee. The flavour is 

 agreeable, but it is to be feared that less palatable and, 

 perhaps, not so wholesome roots, procurable at a less 

 cost, are often .substituted for it. From the leaves a 

 blue dye may be obtained. Endive is another species 

 of Chicory (Cichorium Endivia), the blanched leaves of 

 which afford a common winter salad. The common Dan- 

 delion (a corruption of Dent-de-lion, "Lion's tooth/') sup- 

 plies an extract which is said to have valuable medicinal 

 properties ; its roots are also used to adulterate coffee. 

 Lettuces afford a wholesome salad, as well as an extract, 

 the properties of which resemble those of opium. The 

 roots of Scorzonera and Tragopogon porrifolius (Car- 

 doons) are esculent, but almost grown out of use. 

 These all belong to the Chicory Group. 



Among the Thistle Group we have the Artichoke 

 (Cynara Scolymus), the young involucres and recep^ 

 tacles of which are edible ; the Burdock (Arctium), the 

 root of which is said to be useful in rheumatism ; and 

 the Carline Thistle, which was anciently used in magi- 

 cal incantations. In the third Group, Wormwood 

 (Artemisia) is remarkable for its intense bitterness. 

 One species (A. Abrotanum) is the Southernwood of gar- 



