full of ioints, and at euery knot or ioint seuen or 
eight long narrow leaues, set round about like a 
star, or the rowell of a spurre : the floures grow at 
the tops of the stems, of a white colour, and of a 
very sweet smell, as is the rest of the herbe, which 
being made vp into garlands or bundles, and hang- 
ed vp in houses in the heat of Sommer, doth very 
wel attemper the aire, coole and make fresh the 
place, to the delight and comfort of such as are 
therein.” 
The odour of the plant here referred to by 
Gerard, is well-known as resembling that of the 
sweet-scented vernal grass, or Tonkin Bean; this, 
however, must be understood as applying to it when 
dried, for, in a fresh state, whether bruised or other- 
wise, it has no such quality. Laid amongst clothes, 
it is as agreeable, to most persons, as Lavender 
flowers, and, according to Linneus, is a protection 
against insects. 
Asperula Arcadiensis is nearly related to the 
English plant, odorata, but is smaller, and its 
flowers much prettier. It is sometimes erroneously 
called Galium Grsecum, with which it has little 
affinity. It was first discovered on mount Tyria, 
in Arcadia, hence to the classic it may recal scenes 
of interest, although the Arcadians were rather the 
sons of war than literature. 
It is well suited for planting amongst artificial 
rock-work ; but after frost the soil should be pressed 
about its roots. If potted, it should be in sandy 
peat, on a good stratum of drainers, and a few 
of these should also he mixed with the peat, which 
will encourage the growth of the roots. 
Don’s Syst. Bot. 3, G39. 
