COMMON SOAPWORT.— /S'r/^o^^^m/ 



officinalis. 



Class Decandkia, Ch-der Digynia. Nat. Orel. Caryophylle^. 

 Chickweed Tribe. 



This plant is one of those which seem to 

 follow the footsteps of man, and is much more 

 frequently found near villages than in the more 

 secluded spots of the landscape. It is in 

 blossom during July and August, on road- 

 sides, hedge-banks, and the margins of woods, 

 often at the distance of two or three minutes* 

 walk from the village. It usually grows to 

 the height of a foot, or a foot and a half, with 

 a rather stout cylindrical stem, and the cluster 

 of flowers is of a pale rose colour. It was 

 formerly called Bruisewort, and considered 

 heahng in its nature. A double variety is 

 cultivated in gardens, and Gerarde says of it, 

 *' It is planted in gardens for the flowers' 

 sake, to the decking up of houses, for the 

 which ])urpose it chiefly serveth." 



We have but one Avild species of Saponaria, 

 and both the English and scientific names 

 allude to the soapy principle which exists more 

 or less in all the plants of the genus. Our 

 Soapwort will make a lather with hot water, 



