BUIST'g FAMILY KIIC'HEN GAKDEKEIS, 



ROSEMARY, 



Rosemarhms officinalis. — Romarin^ ^T.—Rogmariitj Get. 



A NATIVE of the soutli of Europe, the Leyant, and found 

 occasionally in the Grecian isles. It is propagated from the 

 seed, or by planting slips or cuttings in the early Spring 

 months. Rosemary has a fragrant aromatic smell, and a 

 warm, pungent taste; the leaves and tender tops are the 

 strongest ; the flowers, by themselyes, are much weaker bn^ 

 more agreeable. This herb is reckoned one of the most poW' 

 erful of those plants which stimulate and corroborate the ner- 

 vous system ; it has, therefore, been recommended in variong 

 affections supposed to proceed from debilities. It is generally 

 given in the form of an infusion. 



RUE. 



Rwta graveolens. — Rue^ Fr. — Rante, Ger. 



Is a hardy shrub, and a native of the south of Europe. IS 

 is propagated in a similar manner to the Rosemary, and re- 

 quires the same cultivation. The common Rue has a strongs 

 ungrateful odor, and a bitter, hot, penetrating taste. The 

 leaves are so acrid as to irritate and inflame the skin if they 

 are much handled. Rue was much used by the ancients, who 

 ascribed to it many excellent qualities. It is employed by 

 some as a tea, and also esternally, in various kinds of fomen- 

 tations. A conserve, made by beating the fresh leaves with 

 thrice their weight of sugar, is the most commodious form fo? 

 using the herb in substance. It is a powerful astringent, and 

 adapted to phlegmati ; habits, or weak and hysterical constitiSf 

 tions sufferiDg from 1 3tarded or obstructive secretions. 



