Sage, or Salvia, L. a genus of plants comprising 60 species ; of which the following are the principal, v z.

1. The Pratens is ; and,

2. The Verbenaca. See Clary.

3. The Officinalis, or Common Large Sage, is a native of the southern parts of Europe, and cultivated in British gardens, for culinary purposes. - There are several varieties of this species, namely, the common green sage, the wormwood sage j the green and red sage, both with variegated leaves; and a peculiar kind with red or blackish leaves; the last of which is most commonly cultivated, together with the wormwood-sage. - Their flowers furnish bees with honey and wax j the whole plant 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 other species for herb-tea.

All the different kinds of sage may be propagated by seeds ; but, as some of these useful plants do not attain to perfection in this country, the more eligible method of raising them, is generally by slips.

In a medicinal view, sage moderately warms and strengthens the alimentary canal: hence, in cold phlegmatic habits, it excites appetite, and may be of service to persons 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 extract, made with rectified spirit, and given in proper doses. These preparations contain the whole virtues of the sage, while the distilled water and essential oil possess only the warmth and aro matic quality, without any of its bitterness or astringency. Watery infusions of the leaves, with the adof lemon-juice, form an useful drink in febrile disorders, and are very grateful to the palate.