The Pepper-Mint 



fragrant volatile oil, and by the bruising of the tissues 

 in any way this oil is set free. Closely associated 

 with the scent is a pungent, aromatic taste, for a leaf 

 laid in the mouth bites the tongue with a heat like 

 pepper — ^hence its name — to be followed a moment 

 later by a sensation of coldness. First hot, then 

 cold, that is the characteristic action of both pepper 

 and the Pepper-Mint. 



It is not one of our commonest wild flowers, and, 

 indeed, some critics hold that it is not a true native 

 of this country, but it certainly grows wild now in 

 many districts, preferably in damp places and by the 

 edges of ponds. Lord Bacon, in his famous passage 

 on the Breath of Flowers, specially refers to this 

 plant : " Those which perfume the air most delight- 

 fully . , . being trodden upon and crushed, are 

 three : that is Burnet, Wild Time, and Water Mints. 

 Therefore, you are to set whole alleys of them, to 

 have the pleasure when you walk or tread." Of 

 course, it is possible these plants may be descendants 

 of escapes from the gardens of our own far-back 



71 l6l 



