THE ROSE FAMILY. 



411 



been improved in size and flavour. They are well known 

 as a dessert fruit, and large quantities are used for jams, 

 jellies, and cooling drinks; also for raspberry vinegar, wine, 

 and brandy. Like the strawberry, they are quite whole- 

 some, but when over-ripe often contain a maggot. 



Bramble or Blackberry (Eubus fruticosus). The Bramble 

 is a trailing shrub, with long, rambling, prickly shoots. It 

 is a native of Britain, growing in hedges, woods, and waste 

 places ; the fruit is black, and is much eaten by children ; it 

 is also used for puddings, tarts, and as a preserve. They are 

 generally considered astringent, and are used in France and 

 England for making, as well as colouring wine. The long 

 rods and twigs are used for fixing thatch, and for other 

 domestic purposes. 



There are many other species of Eubus of low growth, 

 extending to the limits of vegetable life in the northern 

 hemisphere. The fruit of several, such as Dew-berry 

 (Eubus ccesius), Cloud-berry {E. Cham(S7norus), are used in 

 northern countries for making jams and wines. 



Tormentil {Tormentilla erecta and T. officinalis). Perennial 

 plants, with pretty yellow flowers, natives of this country. 

 They have strong roots, which are powerfully astringent, 

 and are used medicinally as well as for tanning. 



Agrimony {Agrimonia Eupatoria). A native of this country, 

 and most parts of Europe. It is a powerful astringent, and 

 was formerly in high repute with herb doctors in fevers, &c. 



The genus Spirtsa forms a distinct section of Rosacese, 

 consisting of a considerable number of species, both shrubs 

 and herbs, indigenous throughout the Northern temperate 

 hemisphere. They are represented in this country by the 

 well-known Meadow-sweet [Spir^sa Ulmaria), and the no less 

 beautiful Dropwort (S. Filipendula) ; also the shrubby 

 species, S. salicifolia^ which is rare. 



A number of hardy exotic species have been long known 

 in gardens, and during the last twenty years many have 

 been added from North-west America, Nepal, and Japan, all 

 of which are highly ornamental shrubs. 



