Heath, in botany: A genus of the monogyne order, belonging to the octandra class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 18th order, Bicornes. The calyx is tetraphyllous; the corolla quadrifid; the filaments inserted into the receptacle; the antherae bifid; the capsule quadrilocular. Of this there are four species, natives of Britain; which are so well known, that no description needs be given of them. In the Highlands of Scotland this plant is made subservient to a great variety of purposes. The poorer inhabitants make walls for their cottages with alternate layers of heath and a kind of mortar made of black earth and straw. The woody roots of the heath are placed in the centre; the tops externally and internally. They make their beds of it, by placing the roots downwards; and the tops only being uppermost, they are sufficiently soft to sleep upon. Cabbins are also thatched with it. In the island of Ilay, ale is frequently made by brewing one part of malt and two of the tops of young heath; sometimes adding hops. Boethius relates, that this liquor was much used by the Picts. Woollen cloth boiled in alum water, and afterwards in a strong decoction of heath-tops, comes out of a fine orange colour. The stalks and tops will tan leather. Beams and faggots to burn in ovens are also made of this plant. It is also used for filling up drains that are to be covered over. Sheep and goats will sometimes eat the tender shoots, but they are not fond of them. Cattle not accustomed to feed on heath, give bloody milk; but they are soon relieved by drinking plentifully of water. Horses will eat the tops. Bees extract a great deal of honey from the flowers; and, where heath abounds, the honey has a reddish cast. There are many exotic species with which our greenhouse collections are enriched and adorned, as the triflora, tubiflora, australis, &c.