LILIES. 
139 
Gerarde tells us that as late as 1597, it grew 
abundantly on Hampstead Heath, also on 
Bushie Heath now Bushy Park, likewise 
near Lee in Essex ; and that it has been 
found in most counties of England. It is 
indigenous to most parts of Europe, from Italy 
to Lapland; and grows abundantly in the 
woods of France and Germany. 
“ These plants are so numerous in the 
woods of Eileriede, in the neighbourhood of 
Hanover, that the ground in many places is 
completely covered with them, and the air 
scented for a considerable distance by then- 
agreeable perfume. These woods are regu¬ 
larly visited on Whit-Monday by numerous 
parties from Hanover, who go to gather these 
May-flowers, and the forest on that day is a 
scene of rural festivity and mirth. Cottages 
are erected for the sale of coffee, and other 
refreshments. The roads leading to the forest 
are thronged by persons of all ages, “from 
morn to dewy eve,” and few are the houses in 
the city of Hanover that are not furnished 
with the Whitsuntide Bouquet of Lilies of the 
Valley. 
“ The Water-lily is said to be the ancient 
herb Lotus ; which, with the Crocus and the 
Hyacinth, formed the fabulous couch of Jupi¬ 
ter and Juno. 
“ This delicate and elegant flower hasbeen 
rightly designated,the pride of the river; for 
spreading its broad leaves on the surface of 
the water, and expanding its flowers to the 
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