RANUNCULACE. 69: 
leaflets and an odd one; uppermost leaves resembling one of the 
leaflets of the lower ones; leaflets 2 to 4 inches long. Flower 
about 4 inches in diameter. Calyx with 1 or 2 of the sepals resem- 
bling one of the leaflets. Petals crimson. Filaments crimson, with 
yellow anthers. Pistils covered with whitish wool. Stigmas crimson, 
hooked, or even coiled. Follicles about 14 inch long, very woolly, 
spreading horizontally. Plant nearly glabrous. Leaves dark green 
above, glaucous beneath. 
Entire-leaved Male or Coral Peony. 
French, Pivoine Coralline. German, ichérose. 
This genus of plants is said to have been named after the physician Paeon, immor- 
talized for having cured Pluto and other gods of wounds received during the Trojan 
War, it is said, with the aid of this plant. The Peony is a common garden plant, and 
is very showy and handsome with its rich-coloured flowers when well placed. In its 
wild native haunts it is peculiarly attractive. Dr. Withering says: “ Few aquatic excur- 
sions can prove more interesting to the naturalist than a sail through the romantic pass 
of St. Vincent’s Rocks to the Holmes Islands. The Steep Holmes represents the rugged 
truncated apex of a submarine mountain, whose abruptly precipitous sides are only 
accessible at one proper landing-place. Amid the shelving rocks and loose shingly 
stones, at an elevation of 100 feet, 
‘There ye may see the Peony spread wide.’ ” 
It seems almost peculiar to this locality, and the supposition would be that it has 
been introduced from some wrecked vessel, or that it must have escaped from some 
neighbouring garden ; but tradition recognizes its existence for so many years in this 
spot, that it would be difficult to trace its origin. The superstitions connected with the 
Peony are very numerous. In ancient times it was supposed to be of divine origin, an 
emanation from the moon, and to shine during the night, protecting shepherds and the 
harvest from injury, driving away evil spirits, and averting tempests. Josephus speak 
of the Peony as a wonderful and curious plant. He says, according to Gerarde, that 
to pluck it up by the roots will “cause danger to he that touches it; therefore a string 
must be fastened to it in the night, and a hungry dog tied thereto, who, being allured 
by the smell of roasted flesh set towards him, may pluck it up by the roots.” Pliny 
and Theopkrastus assert that “ of necessity it must be gathered in the night; for if any 
man shall pluck of the fruit in the daytime, being seen of the woodpecker, he is in 
danger to lose his eyes.” Gerarde, with discernment superior to his time, adds: “ But 
all these things be most vaine and frivolous, for the root of Peionie may be removed at 
any time of the yeare, day, or houre whatsoever.” Still, although he disallows the 
superstitions connected with the gathering of the plant, he believes in its medical virtues, 
and gives a long list of ailments and diseases for which it is a sovereign remedy. The 
seeds have been strung and worn round the neck as an ornament, from their beautiful 
red colour, and frequently not without reference to cabalistic purposes as a protection 
against evil spirits. At the present day necklaces are made of small beads carved from 
the root of the Peony, and sold in respectable chemists’ shops, to be worn round the 
necks of young children, when cutting their teeth, as “anodyne necklaces.” Can we 
be severe on the follies of our ancestors when such superstitions linger in our own 
day 3 
