Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Briar

BRIAR, the Sweet, or Rosa rubiginosa, L.; by Hudson and Duroi called Rosa eglanteria, is a well known indigenous plant, found in hedges and on heaths. It grows to the height of five or six feet, having green branches, armed with prickles. See With. 466.—The varieties of this species are the common single-flowered, semi-double-flowered, double-flowered, blush double-flowered, and yellow-flowered. This shrub deserves to be cultivated in every garden, on account of the odoriferous property of its leaves. The best places for planting it, are the borders contiguous to walks, where it will profusely emit its refreshing fragrance. The young branches of the sweet-briar are a rich addition to the odour of nose-gays and bough-pots. The blossoms of this shrub are constantly visited by bees, and the leaves are used on the Continent, in tanning soft leather.