11 G MEADOW-SWEET. 



sessile, ovate-oblong, acuminate, smooth above, downy beneath, 

 toothed and serrated at the margin ; the terminal leaflet very 

 large, three-lobed, with roundish acute stipulae at the base, joined 

 to the petiole. The flowers are disposed in large, terminal, 

 compound cymes, and have a hawthorn-like fragrance. The 

 calyx is campanulate, five-cleft, with ovate, obtuse, concave, 

 reflexed segments. The corolla is composed of five obovate, 

 roundish, unguiculate, yellowish white, spreading petals. The 

 stamens are numerous, with setaceous filaments inserted into 

 the calycine disk ; and ovate, obtuse, innate, two-celled anthers. 

 The germens, or ovaries, are about eight in number, obovate, 

 obtuse, smooth, and compressed ; each terminated by a clavate, 

 elongated, reflexed style, and a capitate pendulous stigma. 

 The fruit consists of as many capsules or carpels as there are 

 ovaries, erect, glabrous, twisted, one-celled, two-valved, few- 

 seeded. Plate 32, fig. 3, (a) entire flower ; (b) petal; (c) calyx 

 and stamens, the petals removed ; (d) pistils ; (e) carpel. 



This plant is a native of Europe and Siberia, and abounds in 

 this country in moist meadows, and upon the banks of rivers, 

 ditches, and ponds. It flowers from June to August. 



The generic term has been already explained. The specific 

 name from ulmus, an elm, refers to the elm-like shape and ap- 

 pearance of the leaves. It has received the English names of 

 Meadow-Sweet, Mead-Sweet, and Queen of the Meadows, from 

 the beauty and fragrance of the blossoms. Some of the 

 foreign synonymes signify goats-beard, also alluding to the 

 flowers. 



Qualities and general Uses. — The flowers infused in ale 

 or wine, impart a very agreeable flavour, and infused in mead 

 they are said to give it the aroma of the Greek wines. The 

 roots are very astringent, and have been strongly recommended 

 for tanning leather. According to Bryant, the Russians pre- 

 pare a kind of granulated flour from these roots, possessing nu- 

 tritious qualities. Olaffen states that the Icelanders obtain a 

 durable black colour from a decoction of the whole plant. 

 The scent of the flowers is reputed to drive away noxious 

 insects from granaries. The foliage is eaten by goats, sheep, 

 and swine ; but refused by horses and cows. 



The root has a weak smell, and a styptic, astringent taste. 

 The infusion is of a reddish colour, heavy odour, and styptic 



