MISTLETOE 207 



while a second is that the berries of the mistletoe cluster 

 together in groups of varying number, and the leaves are 

 in pairs ! 



Pliny, discoursing in his book centuries ago on the 

 mistletoe, is also our one authority, VuUamy notwith- 

 standing, on its association with Druidism, and we trust 

 that the following quotation^ from his writings may be 

 forgiven its length on account of its interest : 



" Forasmuch as wee are entred into a discourse as touch- 

 ing Misselto I cannot overpasse one strange thing thereof. 

 The Druidas (for so they call their Divinours, Wise Men, 

 and the State of their Clergie) esteeme nothing in the world 

 more sacred than Misselto, and the tree whereon it breedeth, 

 so it be on Oke. Now this you must take by the way. 

 There Priests or Clergiemen chose of purpose such groues 

 for their divine Service, as stood onely upon Okes ; nay they 

 solemnize no sacrifice nor perform any sacred ceremonies with- 

 out branches and leaves thereof, as they may seem to be well 

 enough named therein Dryidae in Greeke, which signifyeth 

 as much as the Oke Priests. Certes, to say a truth, what- 

 ever they find growing vpon that tree over and besides its 

 owne fruit, be it Misselto or any thing else, they esteeme 

 it is a gift sent from Heaven, and a sure signe by which 

 that very God whome they serve giveth them to under- 

 stand, that he hath chosen that particular tree. And, no 

 marveile, for in very deed Misselto is passing scarce, and 

 hard to be found vpon the Oke ; but when they meete 

 with it they gather it very devoutly and with many 

 ceremonies ; for first and foremost they observe principally 



' Our translation is that of Pliilemon Holland, given to the world in the 

 year 1601, a book full of delightful quaintness of language and expression. 



