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The Flora of Wiltshire. 



1. S. scoparius (Koch.) Broom, or Besom. Scopes (in the 

 plural), is Lat. for a broom, probably because often made of the plant 

 called scopa, butcher's broom. Hence the adjective scoparius fit 

 for brooms. Engl. Bot t. 1339. Spartium, Linn. Smith, Cylisus Link. 



Locality. Dry gravelly, and sandy soil on hills and heaths, 

 Shrub, Fl. May, June. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 



South Division. 



1. South-east District. " Alderbury," Mr. James Russet/. 

 " Locally abundant at Landford, but only on the very light sandy 

 soils," Rev. E. Simms. 



2. South Middle District. " Bemerton Heath very luxuriant," 

 Major Smith. Near Potterne but probably planted," Mr. Thomas 

 Coward. " Westbury," Mrs. Overbury. 



3. South-west District, "In upland sandy spots near Dinton," 

 Dr. Maton. " Near Berwick St. John," Miss L. Griffith. « Cors- 

 ley," Miss Griffith. 



North Division. 



4. North-west District, "Chippenham," Dr. Alexander Prior, 

 and Mr. C. E. Broome. " Biddeston," Miss Ruck, Bowden, and 

 near the Lodge at Spye Park, and Chittoe Lane abundant. 



5. North-east District, " Great Bedwyn," Mr. William Bartlett. 

 This beautiful shrub varies greatly in size, according to soil and 



the degree of shelter afforded by its situation. The flowers are of 

 a deep golden yellow, and larger than those of any other species 

 of the genus, and were the plant not so common in a wild state, it 

 would doubtless be considered the most ornamental. Though it is 

 at present comparatively neglected, yet in former times it was one 

 of very great importance in rural and domestic economy. One of 

 its principal uses both in Britain and on the Continent, is to form 

 brooms or besoms ; for which purpose, as the specific name would 

 imply, it appears to have been used from time immemorial. 



" The vagrant artist oft at eve reclines, 

 And Broom's green shoots, in besoms neat combines." 



Formerly it was called Planta Genista, and under this name 

 possesses much historical interest, as from hence was derived the 

 word Plantaganet. " Gefroi Duke of Anjou, father of our Henry 



