DERIVATIONS OF THE LATIN NAMES OF PLANTS. 61 



those reptiles otherwise prefer. Sheep and Goats eat it ; Cows, Horses, and 

 Swine refuse it. 



Actinocarpus. — Named from ax-nv, a ray, and xa^woy, a fruit, in consequence 

 of its curiously radiated fruit resembling a Star-fish. 



Actinocarpus Damasonium, Star-headed Thrum-wort, or Water Plantain. — 

 This plant had the reputation of removing the effects of the venom of the Sea- 

 dog (Loudon). 



Adiantum. — From a, neg., and 1>ixhu to grow wet. So called because its 

 leaves are not easily made wet. 



Adiantum capillus-veneris, True maiden-hair. — A most elegant Fern, especially 

 when it projects from the sides of upright dripping caves or rocks. It is used in 

 the South of France, as well as A. pedatum, to make a syrup, which, being per- 

 fumed with Orange flowers, is called capillaire, and known by that name 

 throughout Europe, as a refreshing beverage when diluted with water. Asple- 

 nium irichomanes is occasionally substituted — an immaterial imposition, as 

 neither plant seems to possess either pectoral or any other active virtues. 



Adonis. — From «^v, pleasing ; so named because it was fabled that Adonis 

 was changed into this flower by Venus, after having been slain by a Boar. 



Where the blood was shed, 



A flower began to rear its purple head." — Ovid. 



i 



Adonis autumnalis" Adonis-flower, Red Maithes, Autumnal Pheasants'-eye. — 

 Its beautiful scarlet blossoms have gained it admittance into gardens. Both the 

 French name Goutte-de-sang, and the more classical Adonis, may equally be | 

 traced to the sanguineous colour and globose form of the flowers, especially in an 

 unexpanded state ; in the latter designation fabled to have sprung from the blood 

 of that favourite. Besides the English names given above, it has been called 

 Bird's-eye, Pted Chamomile, and Rose-d-rubie, Flos-adonis. Miller informs 

 us in his Gardener's Dictionary (1759), that great quantities of the flowers of . 

 this plant were annually brought to London, and sold in the streets under the 

 name of red-morocco. In French it is called Gouttes-de-sang (drops of blood) ; , 

 Aile-de-faisan (Pheasant's- wing) ; and Oeil-de-perdrix (Partridge's-eye). 



Adoxa. — From a, without, and &>!<*, glory ; from the humble aspect of this 

 little flower. 



Adoxa mosckatellina, Tuberous Moschatel. — This is an unobstrusive little 

 plant, flowering as early as the latter end of March, or the beginning of April, 

 and ripening its berries in May, soon after which its leaves decay. It delights j 

 to grow in moist shady places in woods and similar situations ; a circumstance i 

 which has not escaped the notice of the poet — 1 



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