220 COROLLIFLORffi 



loose tufts on a long, interrupted spike. The stamens are covered 

 with purple hairs. Banks ; rare, except in the south-west of England, 

 where it is not unfrequent. — Fl. July, August. Biennial. 



3. V. virgatum (Primrose-leaved Mullein). — Allied to the pre- 

 ceding ; but the lower leaves are downy, and the flowers are on 

 shorter stalks. Banks, rare. — Fl. August, -September. Biennial. 



4. V nigrum (Dark Mullein). — A handsome plant 2-3 feet high. 

 Leaves slightly downy on both sides, especially below ; lower ones 

 oblong, heart-shaped, stalked ; upper ones small and sessile. The 

 flowers, in dense tufts on a long, crowed spike, are bright yellow, 

 and the stamens are covered with purple hairs. Hedges and road- 

 sides, but of local occurrence. — Fl. July to September. Biennial. 



5 V Lychnitis (White Mullein). — Stems 2-3 feet high ; leaves 

 smooth above, under sides of leaves and stems covered with powdery 

 down ; flowers small, cream-coloured or white ; filaments covered 

 with white hairs. Chiefly on chalky soil ; fare. — Fl. July, August. 

 Biennial. 



6. V . piilverulentimi (Hoary Mullein). — -Stem 2-3 feet high ; 

 panicle of smallish yellow flowers, branched ; filaments covered with 

 white hairs. Remarkable for the mealy down which clothes both 

 sides of the leaves. Found in Norfolk and Suffolk. — Fl. July. 

 Biennial. 



Natural Order LIX 



LABIATE.— Labiate Tribe 



Calyx tubular, regular, or 2-lipped ; corolla irregular, mostly 

 2 lipped {labiate), the lower lip largest and 3-lobed ; stamens 4, 

 2 longer than the others, or sometimes wanting ; ovary deeply 

 4-lobed ; style i ; stigma 2-cleft ; fruit of 4 seeds, each of which 

 is enclosed within a distinct shell or rind. A large and strongly- 

 marked Natural Order, comprising some 2500 species of herbs and 

 shrubs, which all agree in having square stems, opposite leaves, 

 labiate, or 2-lipped flowers, and a 4-lobed ovary with a single style 

 arising from the base of the lobes. They are most abundant in 

 temperate climates, and are remarkable for not possessing injurious 

 properties in any single instance. Many are fragrant and aromatic. 

 Patchouli is a favourite perfume, both in its natural state and when 

 distilled. Lavender contains a fragrant volatile oil, which is valued 

 both for its fragrance, and as a medicine for its stimulant proper- 

 ties. Several kinds of mint, as Peppermint and Penny-royal, arc 

 much used in medicine. Spear-mint, Basil, Thyme, Marjoram, 

 Savory, and Sage, are commonly used as pat-herbs, furnishing both 

 agreeable and wholesome condiments. Horehound, Ground-Ivy, 

 and Balm are in rural districts popular remedies for chest com- 



