PROPERTIES AND USES. < ee 
Asplenium lucidum. 
A Fern with pinnate shining fronds, 2 or more feet in 
length. By the New Zealanders it is regarded as a sacred 
plant ; it is used by their priests when praying over a sick 
person ; holding a frond of it in his hand, he waves it over 
the patient, and if it happens to break it is regarded as a 
fatal omen. Before engaging in any war-like enterprise, 
it is also waved in the same manner whilst offering up 
prayers to the:spirits for success; if it breaks it is supposed ` 
the gods are adverse to their engaging in war. When the 
chief has his hair cut, he holds a frond of this Fern in his 
hand, and when finished the priest takes it and waves it 
over his head, and at the same time prays; it is afterwards ` 
dipped in water, and shaken over the chief’s head ; if the 
frond does not break it is considered to indicate long life, 
but if it breaks it is regarded as a sign that he will not | = 
live long. It is also used as an emblem of mourning. 
. The European Asplenis, such as A. Ruta-muraria, A. Tris — E 
_chomanes, A. Adiantum nigrum, and A. marinum, well known 
by the name of spleenworts, have in old times been Bet ` 
for their many remedial virtues, but are now of no repute. 
Scolopendrium vulgare. SS 
The Hart’s Tongue was in ancient times highly reputed - 
for its medicinal properties; it is considered astringent ` 
and useful in diarrhoea; the fronds are also made into jan as 
ointment for scalds, wounds, &c. | 
ec cow Ceterach officinarum. 
- At one time this was in high repute as a remedy i in 
diseases of the spleen and jaundice, Gerard, however, in 
his Herbal, says, that many of the properties attributed to 
it are no better than “old wives’ fables.” | 
