358 The Scottish Naturalist. 



it, the leaves of that ash are a sure specific for that disease." 

 Martin adds, "the chief remedies were 'charms' for the cure of 

 their diseases." 



Verbena officinalis — Trombhod. Borlase, in his ' Antiquities 

 of Cornwall,' speaking of the Druids, says : "They were exces- 

 sively fond of the vervain ; they used it in casting lots and 

 foretelling events. It was gathered at the rising of the dog- 

 star." 



Corylus avellana — Calltuinn. Col, edl, in Welsh, signifies 

 loss, also hazel-wood. The Welsh have a custom of presenting 

 a forsaken lover with a stick of hazel, probably in allusion to the 

 double meaning of the word. 



Allium porrum — •" Bugha" The explanation given by Shaw 

 that this was a name for leek seemed improbable, especially as it 

 was a favourite comparison to the eye " when it is blue or dark." 

 Turning to a passage describing Cormac Mac Airt, I found — 



" Cosmail ri bugha a shiiili," 



which Professor O' Curry renders — 



" His eyes were like staes," — 



a far more appropriate comparison. Narcissus, Lus a chromchinn 

 (the bent head), suggests the beautiful lines of Herrick — 



" When a claffodill I see 

 Hanging its head t'wards me, 

 Guesse I may what I must be : 

 First, I shall decline my head ; 

 Secondly, I shall be dead ; 

 Lastly, safely burried." 



A. ursinum — Creamh. 



" 'Is leigheas air gach tinn 

 Creamh 'us im a' Mhaigh. " 



Garlic and May butter 



Are remedies for every illness. 



" Its medicinal virtues were well known ; but like many other 

 plants once valued and used by our ancestors, it is now quite 

 superseded by pills and doses prepared by licensed practi- 

 tioners." — Sheriff Nicolson. 



Potamogeton natans — Duiliasg na Haibhne. The broad-leaved 

 pondweed is used in connection with a curious superstition in 

 some parts of Scotland, notably in the West Highlands. " It is 

 gathered in small bundles in summer and autumn, where it is 

 found to be plentiful, and kept until New Year's Day (old 



