SHEPHERD'S NEEDLE, or Venus-comb; a genus of the dignya order, belonging to the pentandra clas of plants. The most remarkable species is the odorata with angular furrowed seeds. It is a native of Germany; and has a very thick perennial root, composed of many fibres, of a sweet aromatic taste like aniseed, from which come forth many large leaves that branch out somewhat like those of fern, from whence it is named fuscet-fem. The stalks grow four or five feet high, are fustulous and hairy; the flowers are disposed in an umbel at the top of the stalk, are of a white colour, and have a sweet aromatic scent.—This species is easily propagated by seeds, which, if permitted to scatter, will supply an abundance of young plants, that may be put into any part of the garden, and require no care,