THE MINT FAMILY. 



275 



South of Europe, and long cultivated as an aromatic herb. 

 The favourite sweet-smelling window plant Balm of 

 Gilead (^Dracocephalum canariense), is a native of the 

 Canary Islands, but is not the plant that produces the Balm 

 of Gilead spoken of in the Bible. 



Horehouud (Marrubium vulgare). This is called white 

 horehound ; it is a strong growing plant with erect stems 

 and hoary leaves, native of Britain, as also the South of 

 Europe and Western Asia. It is a bitter herb, and its 

 qualities medicinally are held in high repute as a remedy for 

 coughs and colds. 



Ground Ivy {GUchoma hederacea). A common creeping 

 herbaceous plant with kidney-shaped leaves, native of this 

 country ; it has long been held in high repute for its medi- 

 cinal virtues, which are however more imaginary than real. 



Dittany of Crete (^Origanum Dictamnus and 0. sipyleum), 

 Eound hoary-leaved plants having hop-like flowers, often seen 

 as window-plants. 



Cat Thyme {Teucrium marum and T. polium). Small neat 

 shrubs, not exceeding a foot in height, with small leaves, 

 natives of the islands and coasts of the Mediterranean. The 

 first is used medicinally, and excites sneezing. Cats are fond 

 of rolling on it. 



Summer Savory (^Satureia hortensis). An annual. Win- 

 ter Savory (aS'. montand). A small hardy evergreen shrub, 

 1 to 2 feet high, and, with the above, native of France 

 and Italy. They are recorded as having been cultivated in 

 this country as far back as 1562, and were then as now 

 esteemed as pot herbs. 



Patchouli-pat (Pogostemon Patchouli). An erect fruticul 

 growing to the height of 2 or more feet, having broad oval 

 leaves 3 or 4 inches in length. The dry leaves have a pecu- 

 liar perfume, and are extensively used for many purposes ; 

 the scent of patchouli was considered as the test for the real 

 Indian shawls ; but since the introduction of the perfume 

 into this country they cannot be depended on, home-made 

 shawls being scented with it and sold as real Indian ones. 



T 2 



