65 
by its smooth and shining, concave-sided fruit. P. hydropiper appears 
sparingly by the side of ditches and brooks where they empty into 
the sea, but is mostly an inland plant. P. persicaria and P. lapathi- 
_ folium are common occupants of rubbish heaps; but the former, 
under the name of ‘“Redshanks,” is a sad pest to the tiller of 
undrained land in the Lake District. P. amphibium, very fine 
examples may be seen in a long narrow pool on the beach near 
Bank End farm, Maryport ; also in the reservoirs belonging to the 
West Cumberland Iron Works, Workington ; at this latter station 
it blooms somewhat earlier than usual, owing probably to the high 
temperature of the water, which is constantly tepid. 
EUPHORBIACE. 
Euphorbia helioscopia, commonly known as ‘ Wart Grass,” 
from its supposed efficacy in the removal of warts. The 
acrid yellow juice of the plant is employed for this purpose, 
being applied externally; and I well remember a neighbour 
_ of mine some twenty years ago, who suffered severe pain from 
 incautiously rubbing her eyes with her hand after doctoring 
_achild’s knuckles with the juice. , paralias, on the shore 
j at Harrington, Haverigg, and Flimby; at the latter station 
it has been swept away by encroachments of the sea. £. fort- 
_ landica, on the shore about Drigg, Braystones, and Coulderton, 
‘Sparingly. £. Zef/us,a common garden weed at Flimby, and on 
friable soils at several stations inland, notably about High Lorton. 
_ Mercurialis perennis, an abundant species, growing in woods and 
_ shady hedge-banks, and making its appearance early in the season 
-—poisonous. JZ annua, very rarely found in Cumberland, and 
_doubtfully indigenous; has appeared since 1884 on the ballast 
heaps at Maryport; not poisonous, like the preceding, and has 
_been used as a vegetable in cooking. 
‘ URTICACE. 
_ Ofrtica dioica, the common Stinging Nettle, is one of the best 
‘Known plants of England, sure to be found wherever man has 
taken up his abode. JU. wrens, Annual Nettle, not so ubiquitous 
5 
