Page:Floras Lexicon-1840.djvu/43



SPHODEL. . Class 6,. Order:. The yellow and white species of this elegant plant are old inhabitants of our gardens,, are of very easy culture, and increase rapidly. The latter species covers immense tracts of land in Apulia, and affords very good nourishment to the sheep. It was sacred to, and anciently used in funeral ceremonies; and it was believed that beyond the Acheron, the shades of the departed walked in vast meadows of Asphodel, where they drank the waters of oblivion.