HABITS AND LATIN NAMES OF BRITISH PLANTS. 
18 
investigate its “ mineral strata,” weigh the very atoms of which it is composed, 
and from its vast treasures supply himself with objects to minister to the high 
powers with which he is gifted. It is because he possesses this principle, that 
all the world produces are objects of interest to his mind. He looks upon a 
world filled with beauty, and sees that it is made for him; the tender blade of 
Grass, the fruitful Vine, and stately Palm, were all made to subserve his pur¬ 
poses. The animal kingdom also, throughout the numerous tribes that we have 
glanced at, all are the servants of Man, and they are his because he possesses a 
mind to see their adaptation to his purposes, and to comprehend the relation in 
which they stand to him as their lord and master. 
ON THE HABITS AND PECULIARITIES OF BRITISH PLANTS, 
AND ON THE DERIVATIONS OF THEIR LATIN NAMES. 
By T. B. Hall. 
(Continued from p. 21.) 
Asarum. —-Ai &agov, from a , neg., and o-aigw, to’adorn; because it was not 
admitted into the ancient coronal wreaths. Or perhaps from liaraza , Arab. 
Asarum Europceum , Common Asarabacca.—The powdered leaves are used to 
provoke sneezing; a few grains at a time may be safely taken, and they produce 
a considerable discharge of fluid by the nostrils. The herb increases plentifully 
by seed, without any care, as well as by root, in dry sandy situations. The 
roots emit, when bruised, a very peculiar scent, partaking of pepper and ginger. 
Prior to the introduction of ipecacuanha, the leaves and root were frequently 
employed on account of their emetic power. The dried roots have been generally 
imported from the Levant, those of our own growth being supposed weaker. 
Asparagus. — Aairxgxyos, from to tear; and that, according to Theis, 
from spen, a spine, in Celtic, which is the root of many words in Latin, French, 
German, and English. The term xcmoipocyos was originally applied to all tender 
shoots of plants. 
Asparagus officinalis , Asparagus, corruptly Sparrow-grass, or Grass, Sperage.—■ 
The young shoots of this plant, in its cultivated state, are universally esteemed 
for their flavour and nutritious qualities. The varieties called Gravesend, Batter¬ 
sea, &c., are produced by the difference of soil and manure. A very thick and 
gigantic kind, but equally agreeable to the palate, has lately been introduced 
from Switzerland. They impart to water a strong odour. A peculiar species of 
Chrysomela , named after the plant, lives upon it. 
VOL. iv.—NO. XXVII. 
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