SPEEDWELL, 345 



SPEEDWELL. 



VERONICA. 



RHINANTHACEjE. DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



French) veronique. Italian, veronica. 



MOST of the Veronicas are natives of cold countries, 

 and consequently hardy : they may be increased by part- 

 ing the roots in autumn ; which, in pots, should be done 

 every year. The annual kinds may be sown in autumn. 



The Cross-leaved species requires shelter from frost; 

 it is increased by cuttings made in any of the summer 

 months. These plants prefer the shade, and must be 

 kept moist. 



The flowers are flesh-coloured, blue, or white. The 

 Blue Rock Speedwell is a beautiful little plant, and is a 

 native of Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, and 

 Scotland. It is by some familiarly called Forget-me-not ; 

 a name given also to the Ground Pine, a species of Ger- 

 mander : but the true Forget-me-not is the water mouse- 

 ear, the myosotis palustris of the botanists. 



The Germander Speedwell is a native of Europe and 

 Japan. " Few of our wild flowers," says Mr. Martyn, 

 " can vie in elegance and brilliancy with this ; and many 

 plants with far less beauty are cultivated in our gardens. 

 In May and June every hedge-bottom and grassy bank is 

 adorned with it. At night, or under the influence of 

 moisture, the corolla closes, but in dry bright weather 

 appears fully expanded ; and though each flower is short 

 lived, there is a copious succession." 



Dr. Withering says the leaves are an excellent substi- 

 tute for tea. The Common-Speedwell has been much 

 recommended for this purpose, especially in Germany and 

 Sweden ; and the French still call it the The de T Europe. 



