Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Lily-of-the-Valley

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY, or May-Lily, Convallaria Majalis, L. an indigenous perennial plant, growing in woods, heaths, and at the foot of hills: it flourishes in the month of May.

This vegetable is eaten by sheep and goats, but refused by cows, horses, and hogs; its flowers are in a high degree fragrant; but, when dried, they acquire a narcotic scent, and, if reduced to powder, excite sneezing. Both the flowers and roots have a bitter taste; and an extract, made from either, possesses similar purgative properties with aloes;—the dose being from 20 to 30 grains.—A beautiful green colour may be prepared from the leaves, with the addition of lime.