218 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES HYSSOP 



devoted entirely to the growth of the Hyacinth and other bulb- 

 ous plants for the yearly supply of the market of this and other 

 countries. 



Hyssop {Hyssojpus officinalis), a small shrub of the Mint 

 family (Labiatse), not exceeding 1 to 2 feet in height, native of 

 Southern Europe, introduced more than 300 years ago. A 

 favourite aromatic pot-herb, also used in the form of tea as a 

 cure for colds. 



Hyssop of Scripture. — As the common Hyssop does not grow 

 in Egypt or Palestine it cannot be the Hyssop of Moses, or that 

 which " springeth out of the wall." In my History of Bible 

 Plants I have endeavoured to show that the Hyssop (Esob of 

 Hebrews) of Moses was the name of any common article in the 

 form of a brush or broom, and may be made of any material 

 suitable for such a purpose. For a full account see History of 

 Bible Plants, page 214. 



Ice Plant (^Mesembryanthemitm crystallinnm), a decumbent 

 annual of the Fig Marigold family (Ficoidese), native of the 

 coast countries on both sides of the Mediterranean ; it is also 

 a native of the Canary Islands and the Cape of Good Hope. It 

 was introduced into this country about 150 years ago, and, on 

 account of its leaves glistening like ice on the hottest summer 

 days, has led to its becoming cultivated in many gardens as a 

 curiosity. In countries where it abounds it, with other species, is 

 burned for its ashes, which contain an alkali used in glass-making. 

 Iceland Moss {Cetraria islandica), a foliaceous lichen, grow- 

 ing about 6 inches high, common in boggy moorlands in the 

 northern parts of this country, and throughout Northern Europe 

 generally; it is extensively collected and made into a nutritious 

 jelly for invalids. 



Hang -Hang, the name of a perfume derived from the 

 flowers of Cananga odorata, a large tree of the Custard Apple 

 family (Anonace?e), cultivated in India for its sweet-smelling 

 flowers. It is stated to be a native of Sumatra, and introduced 

 to the Calcutta Botanic Garden in 1797. The perfume is very 

 liighly esteemed in this country. 



