CARAGEEN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 91 



coloured capsule, and has been mistaken and used through 

 ignorance as capers ; like the rest of the Eioiohorhias, the fruit 

 is acrid and poisonous. 



Capillaire, a syrup made in Italy from the fronds of 

 Adiantum Capillus-veneris, generally known as the Maiden- 

 hair Fern, a pretty species growing on rocks in South Europe, 

 and in the same situation on the east and west coasts of this 

 country, but rare, and also found in the Isle of Arran. Many 

 medical virtues are ascribed to Capillaire by Dioscorides and 

 ancient writers, but as a medicine it is now obsolete except as a 

 remedy for coughs. Capillaire is largely advertised at the pre- 

 sent day as a hair-producer. Its principal use at the present 

 time is for making a refreshing drink, which is diluted with 

 water before use. Most of the Capillaire sold in London is 

 composed chiefly of syrup flavoured with orange flowers. 



Capsicum, a genus of the Nightshade family (Solanacese). 

 C. annmim, is supposed originally to have been a native of some 

 part of South America, but is now cultivated in all tropical 

 regions. It is an annual plant, attaining a height of about 

 12 or 18 inches. It is too tender for successful outdoor cid- 

 tivation in this country, but succeeds well and produces fine fruit 

 under glass. There are several varieties, their fruit varying in shape 

 and colour, being either long or short podded, red or yellow, 

 all of which are known under the name of Pod Pepper. There 

 are some very distinct varieties considered by some authors as 

 species, such as Cherry Pepper (Capsicum cerasiforme)) Bird 

 Pepper {C. haccatum); Bell Pepper (C. grossum) ; Spur Pepper 

 {G. frutescens), which are all more or less grown in different 

 countries, and extensively used in cookery in hot climates, being 

 considered beneficial in exciting the appetite. The dried fruits 

 when ground constitute Cayenne Pepper. In this country they 

 are generally used as pickles, and in sauces. The small fruits 

 known by the name of Chillies, are mostly produced by C. 

 fastigiatum. Capsicums are extensively cultivated in Hungary, 

 giving employment to 2500 families. 



Carageen Moss (Chondrus crispus), a sea plant of the Dulse 



