ACANTHUS LEAF AND ELDER 



Such is the account in M. TAbbe Ladvocat's Dictionnaire 

 Historique-Portatif^ Paris, 1760. Daffodil means appearing 

 early in the year. The number of races, varieties, and forms 

 of Daffodil, Jonquil, etc., has become innumerable ; yet it is 

 doubtful if any are quite so graceful and absolutely charming 

 as the Narcissus poeticus, supposed to be the original of the 

 above legend. 



The Acanthus leaf which was so much used in sculpture 

 seems to have been that of Acanthus spinosus. It can still 

 be traced in modern carving, though, of course, it is very 

 much altered and in a rather degenerate form. 



It is often very difficult to say why certain plants have 

 received so much attention and veneration in ancient times. 

 In some cases it is clearly because they are poisonous, and 

 therefore become dreadful and awe-inspiring. Why, how- 

 ever, should a twig of Rowan {Pyrus Aucuparid) be so often 

 placed above the door of a Highland cottage ? In some way 

 it was supposed to keep off evil spirits, but there is no 

 special reason why it should have been chosen. 



The "Bour Tree'" or Elder {Sambacus) has been the 

 centre of a whole series of extraordinary and remarkable 

 superstitions. Of the Ellhorn (Low Saxon), or Samhucus 

 nigra^ Arnkiel gives the following account : " Our fore- 

 fathers also held the Ellhorn holy, wherefore whosoever 

 need to hew it down must first make his request, 'Lady 

 Ellhorn, give me some of thy wood, and I will give thee 

 some of mine when it grows in the forest' — the which, 

 with bended knees, bare head, and folded arms, was ordinarily 

 done." 



The flowers are an eye-wash and cosmetic, or they may be 

 taken as tea or used as a fomentation. The berries are used 

 for " elderberry wine." 



2 A 369 



