THE TEAZEL FAMILY. 



343 



Valerian {Valeriana officinalis and V. dioica). These are 

 natives of Britain, the first being a tall plant 2 to 3 feet high, 

 growing in damp places. The other a more dwarfish plant, 

 and differing from the rest of the genus in having stamens 

 and pistils in separate flowers. The roots are extensively- 

 collected for medicinal purposes; they have a strong, dis- 

 agreeable smell. It possesses antispasmodic virtues. Cats 

 are extremely fond of the odour, plants in suburban gardens 

 being often completely destroyed by their rolling on them ; 

 they even roll on the earth, before the plant appears above 

 the ground. Eats are also fond of the smell, and the roots 

 are used by rat-catchers to draw them together. The leaves 

 are considered an effectual remedy for cuts and wounds and 

 have received the name of " All-heal." 



Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi). A native of Western 

 India and other parts. In some respects it resembles Vale- 

 riana officinalis^ but the roots have a more powerful musky- 

 odour. 



Much evidence has been brought forward to prove that 

 this plant is the Spikenard of the Bible,* which is now 

 generally admitted to be correct. It is extensively used by 

 the ladies of Nepal and other parts of India to perfume oil 

 for their hair, and is fully believed to be the Spikenard used 

 by the ladies of ancient Rome, who, on account of the strong 

 odour, must have had a different taste from the ladies of 

 modern Europe. 



The Teazel Family, 



(DlPSACE^.) 



Herbs or frutlets, with opposite, entire, or variously lobed, 

 even, nearly winged leaves. Flowers in heads consisting of 

 numerous florets, separated by straight or hooked calyx-like 

 scales, seated on a common receptacle, surrounded by a leafy 

 involucre. Corolla seated on the membranous or pappus- 



* Song of Solomon, chap. i. ver. 12 ; chap. iv. vers. 13, 14. 



