THE HOUSE-LEEK FAMILY. 



397 



mestic plant, often seen growing on tlie roofs of cottages 

 and outhouses. In Ireland it is regarded as a charm, the 

 patch of House-leek on the thatched roof conveying to the 

 poor inhabitants a feeling of more security than the plate of 

 a fire-insurance company, they considering it as a safeguard 

 against fire. In Scotland it is called " fuets." House-leek 

 is a common remedy for the cure of warts and corns. 



The genus is represented by a number of hardy as well as 

 greenhouse species, of which S. tabulteforme is curious in 

 having a rosette of leaves quite flat, like a round inlaid 

 table, while in S. calyciforme they are turned up, and 

 form a beautiful cup. 



Navelwort {Cotyledon umhilicus). A native of England, 

 but rare. It has round, succulent, shield-like leaves ; 

 and, like the house-leek, is a common remedy for corns, 

 warts, &c. 



The genus Crassula consists of a great number of species, 

 natives of the Cape of Good Hope ; many of which are cul- 

 tivated for their showy red flowers, especially C. falcata and 

 C. coccinea. The latter has, however, of late years come into 

 bad repute for its narcotic qualities, symptoms of poisoning 

 having in some instances followed the mere smelling of the 

 flowers, the effect in some cases continuing for several days, 

 even requiring medical aid. As it is a favourite window plant, 

 it is advisable that it should not be kept in confined rooms. 



Live-leaf (Bryophyllum calycinum). The leaves of this 

 plant are very tenacious of life, producing young plants on 

 their margin, even after the leaf has been long separated 

 from the plant. It is supposed to be a native of the 

 Mauritius. 



The family is represented in Mexico by Echeveria, of 

 which there are many fine specimens in the Kew collec- 

 tion ; in this country and throughout Europe by several 

 species of Sedum^ of which S. acre is well known as orna- 

 menting walls and dry gravelly places with its beautiful 

 yellow flowers. In alliance with this family is Fouquiera, a 

 singular, straggling, hard, shrubby, spiny plant, native of 



