192 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



"They are called CaltJia of divers and taken to 

 be that Caltha whereof both Virgil and Columella 

 have written. Others do call them Calendula of 

 the Kalends, that is the first day of the months, 

 wherein they are thought chiefly to flower. And 

 thereupon the Italians call them Fiori di ogni mese, 

 that is the Flowers of Every Month. We call them 

 in English generally Golds, or Marigolds. 



"The herb and flowers are of great use with us 

 among other pot-herbs, and the flowers, either green 

 or dyed, are often used in possets, broths and drinks ; 

 as a comforter of the heart and spirits ; and to expel 

 any malignant, or pestilential quality, gathered near 

 thereunto. The Syrup and Conserve made of the 

 fresh flowers are used for the same 'purpose to good 

 effect." 



Parkinson divides marigolds unto two classes: 

 single and double. 



"The garden Marigold," he says, "hath round 

 green stalks, branching out from the ground into 

 many parts, whereon are set long, flat green leaves, 

 broader and rounder at the point than anywhere 

 else. The flowers are sometimes very thick and 

 double (breaking out of a scaly, clammy green 

 head), composed of many rows of leaves, set so close 

 together, one within another, that no middle thrum 



