RUE. 331 



20. ROSEMARY. ROSMARINUS. 



A native of the south of Europe, the Le mnt, and 

 found occasionally in the Grecian islands. It was 

 first introduced into England about the year 1548. 

 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, bitterish, pungent taste : the leaves and ten- 

 der tops are the strongest ; the flowers, by them- 

 selves, are much weaker, but more agreeable. 



This herb is reckoned one of the most powerful 

 of those plants which stimulate and corroborate the 

 nervous system ; it has, therefore, been recom- 

 mended in various affections, supposed to proceed 

 from debilities : it is generally given in the form of 

 infusion ; but is now seldom prescribed. 



21. RUE RUTA 



Is a hardy shrub, and a native of the south of 

 Europe. It is propagated in a similar manner to 

 the rosemary, and requires the same cultivation. It 

 is stated not to have been known in this country 

 before the year 1562. 



The common rue has a strong ungrateful odour, 

 and a bitter, hot, penetrating taste. The leaves are 

 so acrid a.s 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 externally 

 in various kinds of fomentations. A conserve, 

 made by beating the fresh leaves with thrice their 



