SAG spirits, to which it communicates its virtues. This drug was formerly consi- dered an excellent remedy in hys- teric depressions, originating from spasms, or from obstrudions of the usual evacuations ; but, in mo- dem pra6tice, it is seldom employ- ed, though it forms an ingredient in several medicinal preparations. The best satfron is that raised in England, which may be known by the breadth of its blades : it ought to be of a deep red or orange co- lour J fresh and tough, though neither too dry nor too moist ; and of a strong, but pleasant aromatic odour. — It deserves to be more generally known, that mercenary dealers often adulterate this valu- able spice with soffiouer, or with the fibrils of dried Icef: the for- mer pradice, which is more com- mon and less troublesome, cannot be easily detected ; but the latter species of fraud may be ascertain- ed by infusing a few threads of suspefted saft'ron in a wine glass- ful of simple water ; and if, after standing 24 hours, the liquor ac- quire only a pale-yellow tint, in- stead of a bright-red hue., it may be concluded that it is not genuine. — On importation, it pays 2s. Qd. per lb. 2. The vermis, Spring or Gar- den Crocus, is found in mea- dows, chiefly in the county of Not- tingham : it flowers in the month of March. — ^I'his species is propa- gated l^' seeds in gardens, for the beauty of its flowers, which form a principal ornament in vernal nosegays. Saffron, the Meadow. Sec Meadow-Saffron. SAGE, or Salvia, L. a genus of plants comprising O'O species 3 of SAG [9 which the following are the pria-« cipal, V z, 1 . The Pratensis ; and, 2. The Vtihcnaca. See Claky. 3. The Officinalis, or Com- mon Large Sage, is a native of the southern parts of Europe, and cultivated in British gar- dens, for culinary purposes. — There are several varieties of this species, namely, the commoa green sage, the wormwood sage j the green and red sage, both with variegated leaves ; and a peculiar kind with red or blackish leaves j the last of which is most common- ly cultivated, together with the wormwood-sage. — Their flowers furnish bees with honey and wax ; the whole p'.ant is exceedingly grateful to sheep, and imparts a delicate flavour to the flesh of these animals. 4. The, tomentosa, or Balsamine Sage, which is preferred to all the. otiicr species for herb-tea. All the dilfercnt kinds of sage may be propagated by seeds ; but, as some of these useful plants do not attain to perfe6tion in this country, the more eligible method of raising tliem, is generally b/ slips. In a medicinal view, sage mo- derately warms and strengthens the alimentary canal : hence, in cold phlegmatic habits, it excites appe- tite, and may be of service to per- sons labouring under ne vous de- bility. The best method of taking it, is by an infusion of the dry leaves used as common tea ; or a tincture, or estratf , aiaUe With rec- tified spirit, and given m proper dcses. The^e preparations contain the whole virtues of the sage, while the distilled water and essential oil possess only the warmth and aro- matic
