4 FAMILIAR WILD FLO WEES. 



are very well known to " the young Botanists and Herb 

 Women belonging to Apothecarys' Shops." We may 

 mention, by the way, that Westmacott is very fond of 

 capital letters, a fact that will duly appear as we proceed 

 with our quotation. " Mints have a biting, aroaiatick, 

 bitterish Sapor, with a strong fragrant Smell, abounding 

 with a pungent Volatile Salt, and a Subtil Sulphur which 

 destroyeth Acids. And herein doth lodge the Causation of 

 such Medicinal Virtues in this Herb and others of the like 

 Nature. In the Shops are 1. The dry Herbs. 2ndly. Mint 

 Water. 3rdly. Spirit of Mints. 4th. Syrup of Mints. 5th. 

 The Conserve of the Leaves. Cth. The Simple Oyl. 7th. The 

 Chimical Oyl." Dodonseus says that " the sauour of sent of 

 Mynte reioyceth man, wherefore they sow and strow the 

 wild Mynte in this countrie in places whereas feastes are 

 kept, and in Churches. The iuyce of Mynte mingled 

 with honied water cureth the payne of the eares when 

 dropped therein, and taketh away the asperitie and rough- 

 ness of the tongue when it is rubbed or washed therewith." 



