t case Heath will be a generic word, meaning any of the British
species (_see_ LING). Of British species there are five, and wherever
they exist they are dearly prized as forming a rich element of beauty in
our landscapes. They are found all over the British Islands, and they
seem to be quite indifferent as to the place of their growth. They are
equally beautiful in the extreme Highlands of Scotland, or on the
Quantock and Exmoor Hills of the South--everywhere they clothe the
hill-sides with a rich garment of purple that is wonderfully beautiful,
whether seen under the full influence of the brightest sunshine, or
under the dark shadows of the blackest thundercloud. And the botanical
geography of the Heath tribe is very remarkable; it is found over the
whole of Europe, in Northern Asia, and in Northern Africa. Then the
tribe takes a curious leap, being found in immense abundance, both of
species and individuals, in Southern Africa, while it is entirely absent
from North and South America. Not a single species has been found in the
New World. A few plants of Calluna vulgaris have been found in
Newfoundland and Massachusetts, but that is not a true Heath.

As a garden plant the Heath has been strangely neglected. Many of the
species are completely hardy, and will make pretty evergreen bushes of
from 2ft. to 4ft. high, but they are better if kept close-grown by
constant clipping. The species best suited for this treatment are E.
Mediterranea, E. arborea, and E. codonoides. Of the more humble-growing
species, E. vagans (the Cornish Heath) will grow easily in most gardens,
though in its native habitat it is confined to the serpentine formation;
nor must we omit E. herbacea, which also will grow anywhere, and, if
clipped yearly after flowering, will make a most beautiful border to any
flower-bed; or it may be used more extensively, as it is at Doddington
Park, in Gloucestershire (Sir Gerald Codrington's), where there is a
large space in front of the house, several yards square, entirely filled
with E. herbacea. When this is in flower (and it is so for nearly two
months, or sometimes more) the effect, as seen from above, is of the
richest Turkey carpet, but of such a colour and harmony as no Turkey
carpet ever attained.

Several of the South-European Heaths were cultivated in England in
Shakespeare's time.

HEBENON OR HEBONA.[118:1]

_Ghost._

Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole,
With juice of curse