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BistorT. The general English name _ for 
Polygonum Bistorta, from its writhed roots, Latin 
bis, twice, torta, twisted. Often known as Snake- 
weed. 
BITTER FLOWER. Elder, Sambucus nigra 
(Axminster). 
BrrtER MEDICINE. A_ Bridgwater  school- 
master gives me this as a local name for the 
flower of the Elder, Sambucus nigra. 
BITTERSGALL. The Crab Apple, Pyrus Malus 
var. acerba, meaning, of course, ‘‘ as bitter as gall.’’ 
Pulman says “It is often said of a soft, silly 
person :—‘ He was born where th’ bittersgalls 
da grow, and one o’m vall’d upon his head and 
made a zaate (soft) place there.’ ”’ 
BITTER-SWHET. (1) A general name for the 
Woody Nightshade, Solanum Dulcamara, because 
the rind of its stalk when it is first tasted is bitter 
and afterwards sweet. 
(2) A very common and prolific apple ; uneat- 
able, but excellent for cider. 
BLACK ALLER. The late Mr. F. T. Elworthy, 
in his ‘‘ West Somerset Word Book,”’ says ‘‘ The 
usual name for Buck-thorn, Rhamnus Frangula. 
‘Buckthorn’ is never used.’”’ The name Black 
Aller or Alder is given to the shrub from its 
supposed resemblance to the Alder. 
BLACKAMORE. Great Reed-mace, Typha lati- 
folia, more commonly known as the Bulrush or 
Cat-tails. 
BuLAcK-A-Moor’s Brauty. (1) A _ favourite 
name in Somerset for several varieties of Scabious, 
particularly the cultivated Sweet Scabious, 
Scabiosa atropurpurea, and the Field Scabious 
(or Knautia), S. arvensis. Another popular name 
for both flowers is MOURNFUL WIDow. See also 
BLAcK Soap. 
(2) According to Jennings the name is also 
given to the Musk-flower. 
BLACK-BEETLE Polson. A Taunton lady gives 
me this as a local name for the White Dead 
Nettle, Lamium album. 
BLAcK BENT. The Slender Fox-tail Grass, 
Alopecurus agrestis. Dr. Watson tells me the 
Buack BENT is really Agrostis nigra. 
BLACK BINDWEED. The Black Bryony, Tamus 
- communis. 
Buack Boys. (1) A Wiltshire name for the 
Great Reed-mace, Typha latifolia, more commonly 
known as the Bulrush. 
(2) In North West Wilts, the flower-heads 
of the Plantain, Plantago. 
_ _Biack Cap. A Queen Camel correspondent 
gives me this as a local name for the Great Reed- 
