64 THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



"ivy-leaved speedwell" and "ivy chickweed" from the shape of 

 its leaves and "mother-of-wheat", "small henbit" and "winter- 

 weed from its appearance or place of growth. Veronica 

 serpyllifolia is the "thyme-leaved speedwell" and "Paul's be- 

 tony". Concerning the latter name it may be said that the true 

 betony is a mint {Betonica) and that there does not appear to 

 be any indication as to who Paul was. The same name, how- 

 ever, is applied to Veronica officinalis and this species is also 

 called "ground hele" (heal?), "upland speedwell", "fluellin" 

 and "gypsy weed". Veronica scutcUata is the "American 

 brooklime". "Brooklime" is said to be a middle English name 

 meaning brook and plant. The European brooklime is V. bec- 

 cabunga. Our species is also known as "blue-bells" and "wal- 

 link". Veronica anagallis-aquatica is the "water speedwell", 

 or "water pimpernel". The last mentioned name is more com- 

 monly referred to another little plant {Anagallis arvensis) of 

 the primrose family which is much like it. 



Veronica Virginica is a species so different in habit from 

 the majority of speedwells that it is often placed in a separate 

 genus {Leptandra) or at any event, in a separate section of 

 the group. It is most commonly known as "culver's physic" 

 or "culver-root" both of which appear to be fanciful names, 

 for "culver" is an ancient term for dove and doves seldom 

 are in need of medicine. The plant was once regarded as a 

 desirable drug under the name of "Beaumont's-" or 

 "Bowman's-root." "Brinton's-root" is a name of similar 

 import. It w ill be remembered that a species of Cillcnia is also 

 called "Bowman's-root". The question as to who Bowman 

 and Brinton were and how this came to be their root, is refer- 

 red to my readers for answer. I have been unable to throw 

 light on the subject. The plant is also called "tall speedwell" 

 and "black-r(X)t", neither name needing an explanation. 



