FRAGRANCE


The scents of plants proved useful to early Americans. Dried plants were strewn on the floor and used in potpourri to cover food, animal, and human smells. They were also used in soaps and insect repellents. 
           
Lavender, Lavandula officinalis, a         Southernwood, Artemesia abrotanum,  
plant brought to England by Romans,        is also called  Lad's Love.  This  
and then to North America by the English,  herb was used to scent clothes  
was used extensively as a fragrance.       and linens to help keep moths out of  
It was used in soaps, for perfuming        them.  It was used in salads and    
sheets, and was strewn on the floor.       "lads" gave it to their "lasses".
                                           * See Herkimer--Linen Press
                               
                    Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, comes from southern
                    Europe.  It attracts bees and the oil of the plant 
                    is used in perfumes and furniture polish.  The dry 
                    leaves are also used in potpourri.  Not only used for 
                    fragrance, it is used in punch, as a fish garnish,  
                    and to make tea.
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