PHYTOLOGY. 



PLANT NAMES. 



By Wm. DURIE. 



Part II. 



T T AVING given, in the former part of this paper, illustrations 



■■■-*■ of plant names derived from persons, myths, places, and 



primitive sources, we now proceed to consider the remaining 



divisions already enumerated. 



V. The well-nigh infinite variety of properties belonging to the 



various species of plants has given rise to a most extensive list of 



names, while imaginary properties have, in ignorance, been the 



occasion of fixing names in other cases. Let us first take some 



Scotch names. 



Carl-hemp, the largest stalk of hemp bearing the seed ; from Carl, 

 male or strong, found also in Carl-partan, Scotch for male 

 crab. 



Lucken-gowan (Trollius Europceus), the Globe-flower. As it ex- 

 pands only in bright sunshine, it is called " lucken," or 

 " locken," locked or closed. In dull weather it is closed, and 

 forms a complete globe. 



Sourocks, the Common Sorrel, used proverbially for ill-nature. 

 Thus, Gait, in the " Entail," says, " Hey guidman, but ye 

 hae been eating sourocks instead o' lang kail." 



Mays, the primrose, from blooming early in May. The English 

 give this name to the Hawthorn blossom, and the Germans, 

 to lilies of the valley. 



Bindwood, Ivy, from the strong hold it takes of walls. 



Wood-bine is the same word reversed. Wood-bind, for the honey- 

 suckle, from its clasping neighbouring trees. 



Daft-berries (Atropa belladonna), because chewing the berries 

 causes delirium. 



•Catch-rogue, or Catch-iueed (Galium aparine), because generally 

 growing in hedges, it tears the clothes of people attempting 

 to break through, or, at least, the fruits adhere to them. It 



