CITIiPSPSB'B COUPLETS HSRBJLL. 187 



FENNEL TLOWEEL-^NtgeUa Sativa, 



D^scrip. — Thii plant has a imall sticky root, which 

 perishes ever year, after ripening the seed. The stalk 

 rises to be a foot and a half, or two feet high, hollo^^ 

 branched and channelled, having several finely lacinated 

 leaves, pretty much resembling those of lark-spurs, set al- 

 ternately on them. The flowers ctow on the end of the 

 branches, of five small, white, sharp-pointed leaves a- 

 piece, with several stamina in the middle, and are suc- 

 ceeded by oblong round tumid heads, having on their tops 

 five or six crooked horns ; the seed is black and somewhat 

 sweet 



Plac€. — It is sown in gardens. 



Time. — It flowers in June and July, 



Oovemment and Virtuei, — This is also under Mercury. 

 The seed only is used. It is accounted heating and dry- 

 ing, and is said likewise to provoke urine, and to help ter- 

 tian and quartan agues ; but is seldom used. 



FENUGREEK.— (T'ri^onetta Fcenum Orcecvm,) 



Called also Greek Hayea 



Ducrip. — It STOWS up with tender stalks, round, black- 

 ish, hollow, and full of branches : the leaves are divided 

 into three parts, like those of trefoil : the flowers are pale 

 or whitish, not much unlike the blossoms of lupines, but 

 smaller. After these are fallen away, there follow Ions 

 husks, crooked and sharp pointed, wherein is contained 

 the seed, which is of a yellowish colour. The root is full 

 of mail hanging hairs. 



Plae€. — It is a native of France, and ii found here in 

 thegardens of the curious. 



Tinu. — It bloMoms in July, and the seed is ripe in 

 August. 



Uawmment vnd Virtues. — It is under the influence of 

 Mercury, hot in the seoond degree, and dry in the first. 

 The seed which is sold by druggists and apothecaries, is 

 only used in medicine. The decoction, or broth of the 

 seed, drank with a little vinegar, expels and purges all 

 superfluous humours which cleave to the bowels : the 

 same decoction, first made with dates, and afterwards 

 made into a syrup with honey, cleanses the breast, chest, 

 and lungs, and may be taken with success for any com- 

 plaint thereof, provided the patient be not alHicted with 



