27 



This derivation may be the true one, but as we know that to be 

 the origin of the name Betony, it seems unlikely that the same 

 name, even though slightly changed, should have been given to 

 twD such different plants. Another derivation is from ver, the 

 spring, but that takes no accoimt of the three last syllables ; another 

 is from the two Greek words <f>e(u and «x»), to bring victory, on 

 account of the supposed powerful medicinal qualities of the plant ; 

 while a further account states that it was given by Commerson the 

 botanist, who discovered a vast number of plants in the last 

 centuiy, and named them after friends, and this he named after 

 his friend Verron. I can but put these difFerent^derivations before 

 you, and leave the choice to you. However derived, the Latin name 

 has now almost entirely superseded the pretty old English name of 

 Speedwell. Of the origin of this name there can be little doubt, 

 though even here there is more than one derivation to be offered to 

 you. It is supposed by some to be so named from its excellent healing 

 qualities, but Dr. Prior's derivation seems the best. He says it is 

 80 named from its blossoms falling off and flying away as soon as 

 it is gathered, " speedwell" being equivalent to " farewell," " good- 

 bye," and a common form of valediction in old times. We keep 

 the word in the old proverb, "welcome the coming, speed the parting 

 guest," which does not at all mean " hasten him away." 



Before we leave the Speedwells, I must stop with one member of 

 the family, the Brooklime. This is a water plant with blue flowers, 

 which you will recollect as generally foimd gi'owing with water- 

 cresses, with which it is often confounded ; fortunately though not 

 as palatable as the watercress it is quite harmless. But it is for 

 its English and botanical names that I call your attention to it. 



Its English name, Brooklime, is given to it from its growing in 

 the hme or mud of brooks, while its Latin name, Becca- 

 hunga, has the same meaning; "becca" being the German for 

 brook, and a word that we still retain in some parts of England 

 for a brook, under the form of heck, and in the illustrious surname 

 of Beckett, or little brook 



In the old herbalists we meet with constant mention of Colnvort. 

 Wort is the Saxon for plant, and Coleworts are plants of which the 

 stalk, cauiis, is eaten. The word is especially restricted to those 



