194 APOCYNACE.E. 



from it a sweet and nourishing milk. It is at sunrise that 

 this vegetable fountain is most abundant. The nativ.es are 

 then to be seen hastening from all quarters, furnished with 

 large bowls to receive the milk, which grows yellow and 

 thickens on its surface. The milk is glutinous, free from all 

 acrimony, and of an agreeable and balmy smell. It was offered 

 to us in the shell of a Calabash. The negroes and free 

 labourers drink it, dipping in their Maize or Cassava bread." 



Though our British Periwinkles are acrid, they are innocent 

 herbs when compared to many of their brethren. 



The Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor), grows abundantly 

 about Hawkhurst, covering the deep hedgebanks with a carpet 

 of evergreen, studded with purple stars. They have five 

 stamens, and the wheel-shaped corolla is cut into five segments. 

 The Latin name is from a word signifying to bind; and the 

 Italians bind down the sods over their tombs with it, on this 

 account calling it " the Flower of Death." Hurdis has some 

 pretty lines on the plant : 



" See where the sky-blue Periwinkle chinks, 

 E'en to the cottage eaves, and hides the walls, 

 And dairy lattice, with a thousand eyes 

 Pentagonally formed, to mock the skill 

 Of proud geometers." 



I also have specimens of the Lesser Periwinkle. They come 

 from Sowley Wood, a part of the ancient forest of Selwood ; 

 and I have it also from the G-rantley Woods, Yorkshire. 



I have found the Greater Periwinkle (V. major), wild near 

 Penzance ; it was growing in a hedge far away from any 

 garden, so I think it must have been quite wild. It also grows 

 in hedges near Boss, in Herefordshire. Its leaves are broader 

 in proportion than those of the last-named species, and the 

 plant is in every respect much larger. The bright, full hue of 

 the foliage has earned for it the name of " Little Laurel." 

 The pistil of both the Periwinkles is beautifully fringed. 



It is quite a relief after hearing of the dreadful poisons we 

 have discussed to turn to the wholesome GENTIANS. Bitter 



