OF SUNDRY HERBS 63 



tradition, it sprang from her tears. Whatever may be its 

 origin, the plant which takes its name from her has been 

 renowned for its virtues since the earliest days. They 

 were grown in the oldest herb gardens of which we have 

 any record, and throughout the Middle Ages our ancestors 

 used it, and it is only we foolish moderns who do not include 

 this stately golden-flowered plant amongst our herbs. Sir 

 John Hill says of elecampane : " It is famous for all diseases 

 of the chest, and strengthens the digestion. 'Twere vain 

 to expect these virtues in the dried Root sold at druggists, 

 which has been baked, ground in a mill, and tho' cheap 

 enough in itself, yet mixed with flour to make it cheaper. 

 In that state it has little either of taste, smell, or virtue. 

 The garden must supply it fresh to those who would know 

 its real value. There as it rises freely from Nature it is 

 full of these excellent qualities. The taste and smell com- 

 pared with the dry will abundantly show this before we 

 feel its good effects. The root which is long and large 

 contains the virtues of the Plant, and few have greater. It 

 is a native of our meadow grounds, and from its virtues is 

 become common in our gardens. It is a robust, stately plant, 

 a perennial with a firm and handsome appearance." It may 

 be propagated either by sowing the seed, or by division of 

 the roots after flowering. It will flourish anywhere. 



CONSERVE OF ELECAMPANE ROOT. Cleanse and scrape 

 the root. Cut them into thin round slices, letting them soke 

 in water over the hot embers for a long space, and boil them 

 till all the liquor be wasted. Beat them in a stone mortar, 

 very fine. Boyle the whole with a like weighte of honey or 

 sugar two or three times over. 



All other roots may in like manner be candied and made 

 into Conserve, but far pleasanter in the eating if to the 

 confection a quantity of cinnamon be added. Candy the 

 roots in October. Thomas Hill, The Gardener's Labyrinth, 

 1577- 



To MAKE PASTE OF ELECAMPANE ROOTS, AN EXCELLENT 



REMEDY AGAINST THE COUGH OF THE LUNGS. Take the 



