erbal Simple, though a pamphlet has recently appeared,
written by a Mr. Morley, who strongly advises the revived use of
the herb for benefiting scrofulous disease. Therein it is ordered that
the root of Vervain shall be tied with a yard of white satin ribband
round the neck of the patient until he recovers. Also an infusion and
an ointment are to be prepared from the leaves of the plant.

The expressed juice of Verbena will act as a febrifuge; and the
infusion by its astringency makes a good lotion for weak and
inflamed eyes, also for indolent ulcers, and as a gargle for a relaxed
sore throat. The Druids gathered it with as much reverence as they
paid to the Mistletoe. It was dedicated to Isis, the goddess of birth,
and formed a famous ingredient in love philtres. Pliny saith: "They
report that if the dining chamber be sprinkled with water in which
the herb Verbena has been steeped, the guests will be the merrier."

Geoffrey St. Hilaire and Pasteur praise the Vervain highly as
beneficial against ailments of the hair, the fresh juice being
especially used.

Other names of the plant are Juno's tears, Mercury's moist blood,
Pigeons' grass, and Columbine--the two latter being assigned
because pigeons show a partiality for the herb.

Verbena plants were named _Sagmina_ of old, because [588] cut up
by the Praetor in the Capitol. When borne by an Ambassador
Verbena rendered his person inviolable. All herbs used in sacred
rites were probably known as Verbena. They were reported as of
singular force against the tertian and quartan agues; "but one must
observe Mother Bombie's rules--to take just so many knots, or
sprigs, and no more, lest it fallout that it do you no good, if you
catch no harm by it."

VINE.

The fruit of the Vine (_Vitis vinifera_) has already been treated of
here under the heading "Grapes," as employed medicinally whether
for the purgation of the bilious--being then taken crude, and scarcely
ripe,--or for imparting fat and bodily warmth in wasting disease by
eating the luscious and richly-saccharine berries.

It should be added that the fumes exhaled from the wine-presses
whilst the juice is fermenting, prove highly beneficial as a
restorative for weakly and delicate young persons (an example
which might be followed perhaps at our home breweries).

Consumptive patients are sent with this view to the Gironde, where
the vapour from the wine vats is more stimulating and curative than
in Burgundy. Yo