93 List of the Plants of Chile. 



ported, which would be difficult, on account of the absolute want of 

 communication between the two countries. 



Lilium candidum, L. Vulgarly, azucena — white lily. A com- 

 mon plant in gardens. Its large flowers, emblems of candor, give it 

 that appreciation which it enjoys. The Azucena colorada, which is 

 also seen in some houses, is HemerocalUs fulva, L. Finally, there 

 is another species of Lilium to which this common name is given, 

 and which appears to be a variety of the L. bulbiferum, L. This 

 last is still more rare. 



Limosella aquatica. A small plant which grows in the drains and 

 marshy situations near Santiago, Corcolen and Taguatagua. Its flow- 

 ers are either white or blue. I have seen them with two stamina and 

 sustained by a peduncle larger than their leaves. • If these characters 

 were constant, we might include this species under the denomination 

 of L. australis, R. Br. 



Linaria Pelisseriana. DC. I have not been able to find any 

 difference between the species which grows in France and Italy, 

 and that which I have seen in the pastures of the hills, and among 

 the rocks, near the Punta de Cortes and the Taguatagua. It is 

 probable, nevertheless, that it has been introduced. 



■Linum Aquilinum. Molina. It is frequent in arid and dry situa- 

 tions, about the hills and mountains. Its thick tufts and large yellow 

 flowers might render it interesting if cultivated. The whole plant is 

 used in medicine. Its infusion is given in abdominal affections, and 

 particularly in indigestion. Its fumigations are prescribed under a 

 variety of circumstances. Without wishing to falsify those who pre- 

 tend to support the favorable results drawn from daily experience, 

 we will remark that a large portion of its virtues are derived from 

 prejudice in its favor, and from the slight character of the diseases 

 to which this and other remedies are applied. What cannot be de- 

 nied is, tliat faith exercises, in certain cases, a much more powerful 

 action than the medicament itself. It is said that in former times 

 the cultivation of the L. usitatissimum (flax) was introduced and 

 succeeded well, and even at present, in certain parts of the province 

 of Conception, very excellent crops are gathered. Why is a branch 

 of agriculture, so essential, and one which has enriched so many indi- 

 viduals in Europe, neglected ? Can we say that the climate, the soil 

 and the want of irrigation, prevent? Certainly not. There are rea- 

 sons, perhaps, which we are not permitted to perceive. Still the 

 nation continues shamefully to pay high tributes to foreign countries, 



