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order to find some unmistakeably volcanic rocks, this being, 
according to the maps of the Geological Survey, one of the three 
eruptive vents in Somerset. They were successful in their search, 
and discovered a melaphyre of plagioclase felspar augite and 
olivine of the Carboniferous age. Waiting for their return the 
whole party rested themselves in a rabbit warren, where three 
little milkworts, pink, white, and blue alone were spared by the 
coneys. Starting again across fields resplendent with orchids, and 
through woods decked with Prunella, Asperula, Lysimachia 
nemorum, and Euphorbia amygdaloides, with many spotted and 
Twayblade orchids, at last the welcome sound of hounds caught 
the ears of the weary party, and the pleasing thought that the 
kind host's residence was within appreciable distance, crossed 
the minds of all, when alongside the woodpath appeared a specious 
blue flower, pink in the bud, instantaneously recognized as one of 
the Borage family, but of great rarity in England, although 
around Woodlands seemingly growing in profusion. This was 
the lithospermum purpureo-ceruleum, very rare in this country 
according to Bentham and only in some of the southern counties. 
It is own brother to the common lithosperms with inconspicuous. 
white flowers, styled popularly Gromwell and Bastard Alkanet. 
On emerging from the woods into the grounds of Woodlands, the 
party examined the windmill and well which supplies the Mansion 
with spring water. Until the discovery of this spring, the only 
supply of water obtainable was from the rainfall, but by the aid 
of Thomas Young and Thomas Day, two noted Dowsers, this. 
perennial source was discovered, and another proof was here seen 
that however incomprehensible and inexplicable the use of the 
Divining rod may be scientifically, in practice it is a very usefub 
aid to man. De Quincey twice states in his Collected Works that 
he had frequently seen the process applied with success, and that 
whatever science or scepticism may say, most of the tea-kettles in 
the vale of Wrington are filled by rhabdomancy. In a dry and 
ill-watered district like this the Waterfinder should receive all 
