314 POPULAR FIELD BOTANY. 
and narrow, cut at the edge, sometimes divided into three 
deep segments. Spikes of flowers long, with the blossom 
small, distant, of a lilac hue. It is a curious circumstance 
that so insignificant a plant should obtain so much celebrity 
as this did in former times. Most nations venerate it, the 
ancients had feasts called Verbenalia, at which time the 
temples were strewed with this plant, and no incantation 
was considered perfect without it. The priests of Rome, 
Gaul, and Greece, used it, and even the Magi of India and 
the Druids of Britain. In some Welsh counties the plant is 
still known by the name of “ Enchanter’s plant.” It seems 
to have been thought useful in curing bites of various kinds, 
&c. &c. Gerarde, the old botanist, says, after speaking of its 
virtues :—‘“‘ Many odde old wives’ fables are written of Ver- 
vaine, tending to witchcraft and sorcerie, which you may 
read elsewhere, for I am not willing to trouble you with re- 
porting such trifles as honest ears abhorre to hear.” Our 
village doctresses still make use of Vervain tea as a strength- 
ening medicine ; it is bitter and astringent. 
