The Botanist's Companion, Volume II eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 295 pages of information about The Botanist's Companion, Volume II.

The Botanist's Companion, Volume II eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 295 pages of information about The Botanist's Companion, Volume II.

149.  Staphylea pinnata.  Bladder-nut.—­This is not a common plant in this country.  I know of no other use to which it is applied, but its being cultivated in nurseries and sold as an ornamental shrub.  The seed-vessel, from whence it takes its name, is a curious example of the inflated capsule.

150.  Tamarix gallica.  A shrub of large growth; and being less affected by the sea breeze than any others, is useful to form a shelter in situations where the bleak winds will not admit of trees of more tender kinds to flourish.

151.  Taxus baccata.  The yew.—­Was formerly much esteemed for making bows:  but since those instruments of war and destruction have given place to the more powerful gun-powder, it is not so much in request.  The wood is very hard and durable, and admits of a fine polish.  The foliage of Yew is poisonous to cattle, who will readily eat it, if cut and thrown in their way in frosty weather.

152.  Tilia europaea.  The lime or Linden-tree.—­Is a very ornamental tree in plantations, and from its early putting forth its leaves is much esteemed.  The flowers emit a very fine scent, and the inhabitants of Switzerland make a favourite beverage from them.  The wood is very soft, though white and beautiful.  It is much used for the ornamental boxes, &c. so well known by the name of Turnbridge-ware.

153.  Vaccinium uliginosum.  Great bilberry.  Vaccinium Vitis Idaea, red whortle-berry, and Vaccinium Oxycoccos, Cranberry, are all edible fruits, but do not grow in this part of the kingdom.  Great quantities of Cranberries are imported every winter and spring from Russia; they are much esteemed by the confectioners for tarts, &c. and are sold at high prices.  These three kinds grow only in wet boggy places.  A species which is native of America, called Vaccinium macrocarpon, has been very successfully cultivated at Spring Grove by Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. and which has also been attempted in various other places, but not with the same success.  The fruit of this species is larger and of better flavour than either of the other kinds.

154.  Vaccinium Myrtillus.  WHORTS, or BILBERRIES.—­To a common observer this would appear to be a very insignificant shrub; it is not uncommonly met with on our heaths:  but it is only in particular places where it fruits in abundance, and in such districts it is of considerable value.

The waste lands on Hindhead and Blackdown in Surry and Sussex are noticed for producing this fruit, which is similar to Black Currants.  They are gathered in the months of August and September, and sold at the neighbouring markets.

In a calculation of the value of this plant with an intelligent nurseryman in that county, we found that from 500 l. to 700 l. were earned and realized annually by the neighbouring poor, who employed their families in this labour, and who are in the habit of travelling many miles for this purpose.  The fruit is ripe in August, and at that season is met with in great plenty in all the neighbouring towns.

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The Botanist's Companion, Volume II from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.