36 



WHIRLED MINTS. 



PL. XV. 



15. CARDIAC MINT. 



CARDIAC Mint grows about two feet in height ; its ftalk is upright, 

 branched, of a dark-brown colour and almoft fmooth; the leaves are 

 fmooth, long, narrow, ferrated, and acuminated, of a deep green colour; 

 the lower leaves ftand on fhort footftalks, but the upper ones are feffile; 

 the clufters of flowers grow in the bofoms of the leaves towards the top 

 of the ftalks and branches; they are very numerous, and the floral leaves 

 being very long and narrow, give it fo much the habit of Spear-Mint, 

 that it is often taken for it — and Parkinfon himfelf calls it Spear-Mint, 

 being in his time conftantly ufed for it ; and our cottagers in Somerfet- 

 fhire and Wiltfliire ftill retain it in their gardens for the true Spear-Mint, 

 but is very inferior to it as a febrifuge ; although as a ftomachick and 

 cardiack, I believe it excels it. 



The flowers are of a pale pink colour, and the ftamens fhorter than 

 the bloflbm. 



This plant is very frequent in ditches, and wafte places near towns and 

 villages ; but a true fpontaneous habitat I have never had the good luck 

 to ftumble on. 



It blooms in Auguft. 



