THE ENGLISH PHYSICIAN ENLARGED. 223 



small ; after which come small flat pouches containing the 

 seed, which is very small but of u sharp taste. 



P/rtce.] It grows commonly upon old stone and brick 

 walls, and sometimes in dry gravelly grounds, especially 

 if there be grass or moss near to shadoAV it. 



Time.~\ They flower very early in the year, sometimes 

 in January and February ; for before the end of April 

 they arc not to be found. 



Government and Viriues-I ^^ '^ ^^^^ *^ ^® exceeding 

 good for those imposthuraes in the joints, and under the 

 nails, which they call whitlows, felons, and icons and naiU 

 w heals. 



Nep, or Catmint. ? . (h. d. 2.) 



Although this is only nursed up in gardens it may be 

 necessary to describe it, as it is not generally known. 



Descript.~\ Common Garden Nep shooteth forth hard 

 four-square stalks, with a hoariness on them, a yard high 

 or more, full of branches, bearing at every joint two broad 

 leaves like balm, but longer pointed, softer, white and 

 more hoary, nicked about the edges, and of a strong sweet 

 scent. The flowers grow in large tufts at the tops of the 

 branches, and underneath them likewise on the stalks, 

 many together, of a whitish purple colour. The roots are 

 composed of many long strings, or fibres, fastening them- 

 selves stronger in the ground and abide with green leaves 

 thereon all the Winter. 



Time.'] It flowereth in July, or thereabouts. 



Government and Virtues J\ It is an herb of Venus. 

 Nep is generally used for women to procure their courses, 

 being taken inwardly or outwardly, either alone, or with 

 other convenient herbs in a decofilion to bathe them, or 

 sit over the hot fumes thereof; and by the frequent use 

 thereof, it taketh away barrenness, the wind and pains of 

 the mother. It is also used in pains of the head coming of 

 any cold cause, catarrhs, rheums, and for swimming and 

 giddiuess thereof, and is of especial use for the windiness 

 of the stomach and belly. It is effe6lual for any cramp or 

 cold achs, to dissolve cold and wind that atfli6leth th& 

 place, and is used for colds, coughs and shortness of 

 breath. The jaice thereof drank in wine, is profitable Iqs 

 I. 4 



