LAVENDER. 219 



to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It flowers from July to 

 September. 



French Lavender (also called Purple Stoechas, from 

 being found in the islands named the Stoechades) may be 

 sown in March; several seeds together in a light, dry 

 soil. When the plants are two inches high, they may be 

 separated, and planted into pots seven inches wide : they 

 must be placed in the shade till they have taken root, and 

 be gently watered every second day. If the winter prove 

 severe, they should be housed ; but in a dry soil they will 

 bear our common winters very well. This species may 

 also be raised from cuttings, like the Common Lavender. 

 It is a native of the South of Europe, and is in bloom 

 from May to July. 



The other kinds of Lavender may be increased either 

 by cuttings or seeds ; but they do not all ripen seeds in 

 this country. They require winter shelter ; and the Thick- 

 leaved species, which is a native of the East Indies, must 

 be preserved in a hot-house. 



They should have but just water enough to prevent 

 drought ; especially in the winter. 



The stalks of the Lavender, even when the flowers have 

 been stripped away, have an agreeable scent ; and if burnt, 

 will diffuse it powerfully and pleasantly : they form an 

 agreeable substitute for pastiles, and will burn very well 

 in the little vessels made for that purpose. To a Londoner 

 it becomes a kind of rural pleasure to hear the cry of 

 " Three bunches a penny, sweet Lavender." 



' ( And lavender, whose spikes of azure bloom 

 Shall be erewhile in arid bundles bound, 

 To lurk amidst her labours of the loom, 

 And crown her kerchiefs clean with mickle rare perfume." 



SHENSTONE'S SCHOOL-MISTRESS. 



