losophical Reflections and Inquiries concerning the
virtues of Tar Water_, two centuries ago, when the cup which
"cheers but not inebriates" was first told of by him, long before
Cowper. Bishop Berkley said, "I do, verily, think there is not any
other medicine whatsoever [583] so effectual to restore a crazy
constitution and to cheer a dreary mind: or so likely to subvert that
gloomy empire of the spleen which tyranniseth over the better sort."

In _Great Expectations_, by Charles Dickens, the wife of Joe
Gargery is described as possessed of great faith in the curative
virtues of Tar water.

VALERIAN.

The great Wild Valerian, or Heal-all (from _valere_, to be well),
grows abundantly throughout this country in moist woods, and on
the banks of streams. It is a Benedicta, or blessed herb, being
dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as preservative against poisons; and it
bears the name of Capon's tail, from its spreading flowers.

When found among bushes, in high pastures, and on dry heaths, it is
smaller, with the leaves narrower, but the roots more aromatic, and
less nauseous.

The Valerian family of plants is remarkable for producing aromatic
and scented genera, which are known as "Nards" (the Spikenard of
Scripture), and which are much favoured in Asiatic harems under
several varieties, according to the situation of growth. Judas valued
the box of ointment made from the Spikenard (_Valeriana
Jatamansi_), with which Mary anointed the feet of our Saviour at
two hundred denarii (L6: 9s: 2d.).

We have also the small Marsh Valerian, which is wild, and the
cultivated Red Valerian, of our cottage gardens.

The roots of our Wild Valerian exercise a strange fascination over
cats, causing an ecstasy of delight in these animals, who become
almost intoxicated when brought into contact with the Simple. And
rats strangely exhibit the same fondness for these roots [584] which
they grub up. It has been suggested that the Pied Piper of Hamelin
may have carried one of such roots in his wallet.

They have been given from an early period with much success for
hysterical affections, and for epileptic attacks induced by strong
emotional excitement, as anger or fear: likewise, they serve as a safe
and effectual remedy against habitual constipation when active
purgatives have failed to overcome this difficulty.

The plant is largely cultivated for the apothecary's uses about the
villages near Chesterfield, in Derbyshire. It is named