FOLK-LORE. 167 
the sharp spines with which the ripe seed-vessels are beset. 
‘‘Blackseed ’’ is also well applied to the Nonsuch or Yellow Trefoil 
(Medicago lupulina). A herb in great repute for its healing pro- 
perties is the Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) ; medical 
skill sinks into insignificance by the side of the ointment pre- 
pared from its foliage: it is called ‘‘ Cows’ Weather (or Withy) 
Wind,” the 7 in the last word being pronounced as in wine. The 
Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is called ‘‘ Cats-claws,”’ and 
‘¢ Shoes-and-Stockings.”’ Another spring flower which is con- 
nected with the Cuckoo is the Great Stitchwort ( Stellaria Holostea), 
which is called ‘‘ Cuckoo’s Meat.’”’ The White Campion (Lychnis 
vespertina) claims the names of ‘‘Cow-rattle”’ and ‘‘ Bull-rattle.”’ 
The Mealy Guelder Rose ( Viburnum Lantana) is named “Coventry.” 
The Early Purple Orchis ( Orchis mascula) is called ‘‘ Kingfingers.”’ 
The Great Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) is vaguely said to be 
“good for colds,’ and bears the names ‘‘ Rag-paper”’ and 
“ Poor-man’s Flannel.’ Gerarde says that ‘‘ the root, boiled in 
water and drunke, prevaileth much against the old cough.’’ The 
same old writer remarks of the Tutsan (Hypericum Androsemum) 
that ‘‘ the leaves laid upon broken shins healeth them, and many 
other hurts and griefes, whereof it took his name Toute-saine, or 
Tutsane, of healing all things.’”” Our Buckinghamshire people 
now call it ‘‘ Touch-and-Heal,” and consider it ‘a capital thing 
to put to cuts.” It is curious to notice that the Mezereon (Daphne 
Mezereum) still retains a semblance of its proper name in ‘“‘ Maza- 
lum;’’ there is an idea that it can be budded from the Wood 
Laurel (D. Zaureola) ‘‘ by them as knows how.” 
.. Here, for the present, we will ‘‘ hold our hand.” Enough has 
been said to show how, in many cases, the traditions of our 
fathers have been handed down to the present time. We hope to 
return to the subject very shortly, and shall be glad to receive, from 
any ingenious reader, suggestions as to the derivation of those 
names which at present appear obscure. We have by no means 
exhausted our resources, and we hope that our readers will assist 
us to the utmost of their power in our journey into ‘‘ Uldwives- 
fabledom,” 
