90 COMMON BORAGE. 



and the old naturalists, from Pliny downwards, 

 affirm very confidently that it is efficacious in 

 dispelling sadness. Thus Burton says : — 



" Borage and Hellebore fill two scenes, 

 Sovereign j^lants to purge the veins 

 Of melancholy, and clear the heart 

 Of those black fumes which make it smart." 



The youno- leaves were either boiled, or used 

 as salads for this purpose, though their flavour 

 is anything but agreeable ; and the flowers 

 steeped in wine were found to be very in- 

 vigorating. The tissues of the plant contain 

 gum, and it may therefore be used as a de- 

 mulcent. It also possesses nitrate of potash, 

 and when burnt, will emit sparks with a slight 

 explosive sound. It is thought to be a native 

 of Aleppo, but it has become naturalized now 

 in most European countries. The garden 

 species are very easy of culture, and we have 

 one kind from Persia, another from Numidia, 

 and a third from Corsica. The Persian species 

 has pink flowers, but the others have brilliant 

 blue blossoms. Borag^e still forms an ino;re- 

 dient in the drink called '' cool tankard." 



