DERIVATIONS OF THE LATIN NAMES OF PLANTS. 
25 
century. Chaucer speaks of it as a rare exotic in the fourteenth century; and 
Gerard in 1597, as 44 a stranger in England, which groweth only in the walkes 
and places of pleasure of noblemen.” It makes a beautiful appearance in bloom 
(in May), and affords much pabulum for Bees, smelling strongly of honey. 
Gilpin observes, 44 It affords an impenetrable shade, and often receives well 
contrasted masses of light. Its bark has not the furrowed roughness of the 
Oak; but it has a species of roughness very picturesque. In itself it is smooth; 
but it peels off in large flakes like the Planes (to which in other respects it bears 
a near alliance), leaving patches of different lines, seams, and cracks, which are 
often picturesque/’ It is highly ornamental in rural scenery, in spring, by the 
delicate green of its luxuriant foliage, and in autumn, when 
44 No tree of all the grove but has its charms ; 
Though each its hue peculiar; 
****** 
* * * * nor unnoted pass 
The Sycamore, capricious in attire, 
Now green, now tawny, and ere Autumn yet 
Have changed the woods, in scarlet honours bright.” 
Among the larger specimens of British growth Strutt describes one at Cobham 
Park, which measures twenty-six feet in circumference at the ground, and ninety- 
four in height; also one at Bishopton, Renfrewshire, twenty feet in growth, and 
sixty feet in height. To secure varieties (the principal of which is the striped) 
for pleasure grounds, budding, grafting, and inarching are practised: and it may 
be here observed, that variegated plants in general should be planted in poor 
hungry soil, to encourage the disease which occasions these beautiful stripes, 
thus causing them to become more distinct. But these fancy trees, when con¬ 
firmed, show their peculiarities to more advantage in a good soil. 
Achillea («%/AAe*«). —From Achilles, who is said to have cured Telephus 
with it. 
Achillea ptarmica , Sneeze-wort Yarrow, or Goose-tongue.-—The whole plant, 
and especially the root, has a pungent, biting taste, and when chewed in the 
mouth, like Pellitory of Spain (for which it is sometimes sold in the shops), it 
promotes a flow of saliva, and is found serviceable in the cure of the tooth¬ 
ache. In spring the young tender shoots are put into salads to correct 
the coldness of other herbs. The dried powder of the leaves snuffed up the 
nostrils excites sneezing; hence it has acquired the name of Sneeze-wort. Horses, 
Cows, Goate,'Swine, and Sheep eat it; to the latter it is particularly acceptable. 
A variety with double flowers is not uncommon in gardens, where it is known 
by the name of Double Ptarmica, or Bachelors 3 Buttons, but it should be admitted 
with caution, the creeping roots extending more rapidly than may be desirable. 
vol. hi.- — no. xvi. e 
