THE MINT FAMILY. 



273 



is much cultivated in some parts of this country, especially 

 at Mitcham, in Surrey, for the sake of its flower spikes, which 

 are used as domestic scent. From these is obtained by dis- 

 tillation the oil of lavender, which, dissolved in spirits of 

 wine, forms lavender water. L. Spica and L. stcechas, also 

 natives of the South of Europe, yield an oil used by artists 

 for varnishing, &c. Eed lavender drops of the shops are 

 made by a mixture of lavender and rosemary. 



Rosemary {Rosmarinus officinalis). A stiff branching, 

 bushy shrub 3 or more feet high, having narrow hoary leaves. 

 It is a native of the South of Europe and Western Asia ; like 

 lavender, it is cultivated for its perfume, which is of a sti- 

 mulating and refreshing nature, and has received the name of 

 "Herb of Memory." It grows abundantly in some parts of 

 France, especially in Narbonne, where it scents the air and im- 

 parts a flavour to honey. A conserve and liqueur are made from 

 it, and it is also used in the manufacture of Hungary Water 

 and Eau de Cologne. An oil is obtained from it which is used 

 as a perfume. Rosemary was held in high esteem by the 

 Greeks and Romans, its chief properties being a powerful 

 stimulant to the nervous system, and was regarded as the 

 emblem of fidelity. 



Peppermint {Mentha Piperita). An herbaceous plant with 

 creeping roots, native of this country. It is extensively cul- 

 tivated for the volatile oil it contains, which is procured by 

 distillation, and is used as a stimulant. Peppermint water is 

 prepared from it. An oil having a scent like bergamot oil 

 is obtained from M. citrata. 



Spearmint (Mentha viridis). This has properties similar to 

 the preceding, but in a less degree. It is used for culinary 

 purposes, and is probably the " Mint"* spoken of in the New 

 Testament. 



Pennyroyal (Mentha Pulegium). The two preceding species 

 are of upright growth, but this creeps on the ground. It 

 has a strong, not disagreeable scent, and is an old favourite 



* St. Matthew, chap, xxiii. ver. 23. 

 T 



