192 SMALL WOODRUFF. 



The other native species of the genus, the 

 SAveet Woodruff, {Asperula odorata,) is far 

 better known than this. The flowers are 

 white, in clusters, and, like those of our 

 engraving, in the form of the jessamine, and 

 the leaves grow in whorls around the stem, 

 and resemble those of the common Cleavers. 

 This plant has no odour when fresh, but is 

 deliciously fragrant Avhen dried. Dr. Wallich 

 says that its flowers, infused in water, make a 

 tea far superior to the Chinese teas. The 

 Germans use the plant to flavour vinous 

 liquors. The leaves will preserve their odour 

 for years, and if laid among clothes, are an 

 excellent preservative from moths. Old 

 records found in the books of London 

 churches, show that they were once hung up 

 in garlands within their walls, and few of our 

 native plants would be more suitable for the 

 purpose. The scent is like that of newly 

 made hay. 



The genus received its name from the 

 Latin asjjer, rough, some of the species 

 having, like the Sweet Woodruff, rough leaves 

 and stems. , 



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