THE THISTLE FAMILY. 



849 



leaves, and extensively used throughout Russia for the de- 

 struction, or rather driving away of fleas and other vermin 

 of like nature. About forty years ago it became very popu- 

 lar, and still continues to be used in Germany. 



Feverfew {Pyrethriim Parthenium). An erect bushy plant, 

 a foot or more in height, with much divided leaves, the 

 whole of a light green colour, having white rayed flowers 

 like Camomile. It is wild in many parts of this country, 

 often growing on walls, but considered a doubtful native. 

 It is bitter and tonic, and is an old remedy in fevers. The 

 smell is strong and offensive, and is sometimes used to drive 

 bees from their hives. A double variety of it is grown as an 

 ornamental garden-plant. 



Pellitory'of Spain (^nacz/cZws Pyrethrum). A perennial, 

 native of the south of Europe, having much divided leaves 

 and prostrate stems, with white flowers. It is cultivated in 

 the south of Europe and north of Africa for its roots, 

 which are cut in short pieces, known in the shops under the 

 name of "Eadix Pyrethri," and used medicinally and for 

 tooth-ache. It first causes a sensation of cold, followed by 

 heat. 



Elecampane {Inula Helenium). A strong growing pe- 

 rennial with large entire leaves, and flower stem 3 or 4 feet 

 high, bearing large yellow-rayed flowers. It is native of 

 this country, and is cultivated for its roots ; the whole plant 

 has an aromatic bitter flavour, especially the root, which 

 abounds in a mucilaginous principle resembling starch. It 

 has been famed as a medicinal plant of great virtue, but is 

 now out of repute, and is only used for flavouring sweets. 



Colts-foot (Tussilago Farfard). A perennial, common in 

 roadsides and waste places, often seen abundant in railway 

 cuttings. It has large angular-shaped leaves of a greyish 

 colour. It is bitter and astringent, containing a large quan- 

 tity of mucilage, and much used in cases of asthma, being 

 smoked like tobacco. 



Tarragon {Artemisia Dracunculus). A hardy perennial, 

 native of Siberia, and cultivated in gardens as a culinary 



