165. _The WILD BRIER, or HEP-ROSE_ (Rosa canina), _is a common wild flower in hedges, and is distinguished by having a somewhat egg-shaped fruit, smooth flower-stalks, the prickles of the stem hooked, and the leaves oval, pointed, smooth, and shining._ We possess no wild shrub more ornamental to the country, in its flowers, its foliage, or its fruit, than this; and its sweet and delicate scent, though less powerful, is perhaps as grateful as that of any rose that is known. The _flowers_, when distilled, afford a pleasant perfumed water. The _fruit_, or heps, contain an acid yet sweetish pulp, with a rough prickly matter enclosing the seeds. Of the pulp, when carefully separated from this substance, and mixed with sugar, is prepared the _conserve of heps_ of the shops, which, though of little medicinal virtue itself, is used to give form to more active medicines. In the north of Europe, the fruit of the rose, with the addition of sugar, is sometimes employed in the preparation of domestic wines; and the pulp, in a dried state, affords a grateful ingredient in sauces: but it is supposed that a still greater advantage might be derived from the fruit by distillation. The _leaves_ of this, and indeed of every kind of rose, have been recommended as a substitute for tea. On the Continent they are employed in currying the finer kinds of leather. On the branches of this tree a singular moss-like and prickly excrescence is frequently found. This, which is caused by an insect (_Cynips rosæ_), and forms the habitation of its offspring, was formerly in great medicinal repute; but it is now seldom used. 166. _The RED OFFICINAL ROSE_ (Rosa gallica) _differs from the hundred-leaved rose in having the leaf-stalks more rough and prickly. The petals are of deep crimson colour, large, spreading, and not numerous._ In the period of its flowering, this rose, which is a native of the south of Europe, succeeds the common garden rose. It is used in several medicinal preparations. Of its _petals_, in conjunction with sugar, a conserve is made, an infusion, and a syrup; and the dried _buds_, with water and honey, are made into what is called _honey of roses_. 167. _The RASPBERRY_ (Rubus idæus) _is a well-known garden fruit, which grows wild in woods and thickets of several parts of England._ To most persons the flavour of the raspberry is peculiarly grateful; and its perfume very delightful. Raspberries are much used in cookery and confectionary, as well as to eat in desserts. With sugar they are made into jam and jelly, and also into cakes. The juice, mixed with a certain portion of sugar and of brandy, constitutes the liqueur called _raspberry-brandy_. This juice is much in request for ice-creams, and is sometimes manufactured into wine. A grateful syrup is obtained from raspberries, which is occasionally used in medicine. The _leaves_ are said to be a grateful food to kids. White raspberries are sweeter than the red ones.