RED CAMPION 23 
mouth, and the seeds are scattered far and wide by the wind or by 
passers-by. 
The soil required is a humus soil, and it is therefore a humus-loving 
plant, ranging over many different formations, 
This plant is attacked by the fungus Us/z/ago violacea. 
A beetle, Phytonomus plantaginis, Lepidoptera, such as Tawny 
Sheers (Deanthacta carpophaga), The Lychnis ). capsincola, Nemeo- 
phila plantaginis, Yellow Shell (Camptogramma bilineata), Rivulet 
(Emmelesia affinitata), Sandy Carpet (£. decolorata), Gelechia vis- 
cariella, Lygris flavofasciata, Netted Pug (Eupithecia venosata), feed 
on it. 
The second name, @oica, refers to the dicecious habit. 
Red Campion is called Adder’s-flower, Bachelor's Buttons, Billy 
Buttons, Bird's-eye, Brassety Buttons, Brid-een, Bull's Eye, Cock- 
robin, Crows-ope, Devil’s Flower, Flea-bites, Geuky Flower, Gramfer- 
Greygles, Hare's Eye, Lousy Beds, Mother-Dee, Plum-puddings, 
Ragged Robin, Red Butcher, Red Lack, Red Robin, Robin-in-the- 
hose, Robin-i’-the-hedge, Round Robin, Scalded Apple. 
As to the name Bachelor's Buttons, Johnson says: ‘‘ The similitude 
that these flowers have to the jagged cloath buttons anciently worne in 
this kingdome gave occasion to our Gentlewomen and other lovers of 
flowers in those times to call them Batchelor’s Buttons”. Another 
name Lousy Soldier’s Buttons refers to the dislike to gather them 
when covered with small insects (Aphid). The plant is called Dec 
(or Die), and a superstition exists amongst Cumberland children to the 
effect that if they pluck the flower, some misfortune will happen to 
their parents. It was supposed to exert a charm over the fortunes 
of lovers. It was called ‘Great Candlestick” because that was lighted 
up on St. John the Baptist’s Day. 
When it is cultivated it sometimes becomes double. A white- 
flowered form exists in a wild state. 
The flower is visited by the small Elephant Hawk Moth in the 
evening, being partly crepuscular. 
ESSENTIAL SPECIFIC CHARACTERS :— 
49. Lychuis dora, L.—Dicecious, stem tall, erect, leaves lanceolate, 
flowers pink, calyx teeth triangular, peduncle downy, capsule globular, 
with 10 recurved teeth. 
