the
exhalations from which,—mainly those of Lavender, —as given off under
the bodily warmth of the patient, being volatile, induce sound, and
refreshing sleep. Any dreams associated therewith are invariably
pleasant, and agreeable.
As
stated elsewhere, it is a remarkable fact that, under the influence of
strong, highly fragrant Lavender-water (which, being spirituous, is
very volatile) even wild beasts, when captive (as in zoological
gardens) may be made docile, and tractable.
Orange-flower
water was evidently formerly in favour as a perfume. During Queen
Elizabeth's reign Oranges were known as Portingales.
Respecting oranges, the amusing chapter on " Shop Windows," in Leigh Hunt's Essays, is
well worth reading. His famous reply to a lady at whose house he was
dining is also worthy to be remembered. " Don't you ever venture on an
orange, Mr. Hunt ? " she enquired solicitously at dessert. " I should
be delighted to do so, my dear Madam," was his grave reply, " but I'm
so afraid I should tumble off." For the smell of an apple the famous
Schiller had a remarkable passion. He used to cut an apple into
quarters, and keep these in the drawer of his writing-table.
Evidently
our comparatively unsophisticated grandparents, in the heyday of their
farmhouse pleasures of table, and field, were fully alive to the
attractions of aromatic flavours, fragrant odours, and sweet-smelling
perfumes. Simple-minded readers of their Bible, they bore in mind the "
Proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, King of Judah, copied
out," and amongst which it is declared : " Ointment and perfume
rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man's
