
195 
tribes who have always pitched their tents in 
the desert in preference to dwelling in fixed 
habitations, where it would have been their 
duty to cultivate the earth in order to mul- 
tiply the benefits of nature. 
This plant was also eaten, boiled, by the 
Greeks and Romans, and in salads, with let- 
tuce and other vegetables; it is still used by 
the Chinese and the Egyptians. 
It grows, naturally, by the rivulet’s side ; 
and is of easy culture in any common garden 
soil. Its appearance is graceful and pleasing ; 
and its rose-coloured flowers harmonise with 
its leaves and branches, the whole plant being 
covered with a silver-coloured silky down. 
It is equally agreeable to the sight as to the 
touch. Its flowers, its stalks, its leaves, and 
its roots are all useful. We procure from them 
various juices, syrups, pastilles, and pastes, 
alike beneficial to health, and agreeable to 
the palate. The Romans used it on account 
of its medicinal qualities. 
MILD, OR SWEET DISPOSITION. 
Shards or mallows for the pot, 
That keep the loosened body sound. 
DRYDEN. 



























