BITTER-VETCH. 61 



use of them, to repel hunger and thirst for a long time. 

 This idea reminds one of a passage in one of the Italian 

 poets, where an enchanter preserves two knights from 

 starvation during a long journey by giving them an herb, 

 which, being held in the mouth, answers all the purposes 

 of food. 



The taste of these roots resembles that of liquorice-root, 

 and, when boiled, they are well-flavoured and nutritive. 

 In times of scarcity, they have served as a substitute for 

 bread. The plant is a native of most parts of Europe. 

 These, and the other hardy kinds, may be increased by 

 parting the roots, which should be done in the autumn. 

 They generally delight in shade, and prefer a loamy soil : 

 the earth should be kept moderately moist. 



BLOODWORT. 



SANGUINARIA. 



PAPAVERACE&. POLYANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



The English name is from its blood-coloured juice. It is also 

 named, by the Americans, Puccoon. 



" THOUGH the Sanguinaria cannot be considered as a 

 showy plant," says Mr. Martyn, " yet it has few equals in 

 point of delicacy and singularity : there is something in it 

 to admire, from the time that its leaves emerge from the 

 ground and embosom the infant blossom, to their full ex- 

 pansion, and the ripening of the seeds." 



In the woods of Canada, and other parts of North 

 America, it grows in abundance : the Indians are said to 

 paint their faces with the juice. In this country the 

 flowers open in April, but they fully expand only in fine 

 warm weather. 



We are told, that in the year 1680 this plant was culti- 

 vated in "Mr, Walker's suburban garden in St. James's 



