WOODRUFF

a plant of the Madder family, which grows freely both in this country and Europe. It varies from six to eighteen inches in height and bears a quantity of small whitish flowers. When fresh, it has little scent, but the dried leaves possess a lasting perfume suggestive of new-mown hay. It is employed in various ways, the most noteworthy perhaps being as flavoring for "May Wine," or Maitrank, the leaves being steeped for a short time in a punch of Rhine or mixed wines. Dried Woodruff for this purpose is sold in tin boxes, generally under the title of Waldmeister zur Bowle.

The detached leaves are also placed in closets, drawers, etc., to repel insects.