HOREHOUND. 327 



time in spring. The seeds of fenugreek are gene- 

 rally brought to us from the northern parts of 

 France and Germany. They have a strong dis- 

 agreeable scent, and were formerly used in soften- 

 ing fomentations ; but are now nearly exploded. 



13. FEVERFEW. MATRICARIA. 



A native of cultivated or waste ground through- 

 out Europe, springing up abundantly with us in 

 neglected gardens or court-yards. It is biennial 

 and very hardy. The plants are raised from seeds, 

 which should be sown about March, upon a bed of 

 light earth, and afterwards transplanted to some 

 distance apart. 



Feverfew has long been employed for medical 

 purposes; its virtues are stomachic and tonic. It 

 has been successfully given in hysteria* and is a 

 medicine of considerable activity. 



14. HOREHOUND MARRUBIUM. 



Common in various parts of England, on waste 

 ground, and among rubbish, in hot, dry, and dusty 

 situations. The plant is annual, and may be raised 

 by sowing the seeds in any of the. spring months. 



The leaves have a moderately strong smell of 

 the aromatic kind, but not agreeable : their taste is 

 very bitter, penetrating, and durable in the mouth. 

 This herb was much extolled by the ancients for its 

 efficacy in removing obstructions of the lungs. It 

 has been chiefly employed in humoral asthmas, 

 obstinate coughs, and pulmonary consumptions. Its 

 use is also said to be beneficial in affections of the 

 ^ 4, 



