172 GUERNSEY. 
in Vazon Bay, so that in ancient times this tree was probably common 
in the island. 
The ancient art of rhabdomancy, or the finding of hidden springs 
of water by means of a forked twig, is extensively practised in 
Guernsey, and has been in operation from time immemorial. The 
Divining Rod, or, as it is termed in Cornwall, the Dowsing Rod, is 
shaped like a Y, and is usually a freshly cut twig of hazel, or, if 
hazel is not procurable, willow is used, though it is less responsive. 
That the twig is deflected spontaneously, and in spite of the utmost 
muscular resistance, I can myself testify from actual experiment : but 
how this is caused, or why the twig works in the hands of certain 
persons and not of others, has never yet been satisfactorily explained. 
(Carpinus Betulus, L., the Hornbeam, is noted for Guernsey in 
the list given in Ansted’s Channel Islands ; but it is very doubtful if 
any trees occur outside of private grounds.) 
(Pinus sylvestris, L., the Scotch Fir, and P. Pinaster, Ait., the 
Cluster Pine, are to be seen in many parts of the island, but like the 
Horse Chestnut, the Lime, the Evergreen Oak, and some other 
trees, have no right whatever to a place in the Flora.) 
DIOSCOREACEAE. 
Tamus communis, L. Black Bryony. 
Native (?). First found: Marquand, 1893. 
Very rare. On both sides of the path leading down to Fort 
Bay, in considerable quantity. This plant has quite the appearance 
of being native in this locality, and it is strange that it had not been 
noticed until I discovered it in 1893. 
In Townsend’s /Yora of Hampshire it is stated that the berries ot 
this plant, preserved in gin or brandy, form an excellent remedy for 
chilblains. The fresh root is very acrid, and when scraped or 
beaten into a pulp was formerly employed as a stimulating plaster. 
ORCHIDACEAE. 
Orchis Morio, L. Green-winged Orchis. 
Native. First record: Marquand, 1891. 
Rare, and apparently confined to the extreme south-west of the 
island. In 1890 I discovered this species growing in considerable 
quantity in pastures near the Watchhouse at Pleinmont: and in 
1894 I found it in another locality a little to the south-east and near 
the cliffs. Some years later Miss B. Agnew found it at Les Pezeries, 
and also in several fields between Pleinmont and Mont Herault. 
