Magicaf pfani/. 109 



and Two-leaved Clover, Even Ash-leaves, Bay or Bay-leaves, 

 Laurel-leaves, Apples and Apple-pips, Nuts, Onions, Beans, 

 Peascods, Corn, Maize, Hemp-seed, &c. 



Albertus Magnus states that Valeria yields a certain juice of 

 amity, efficacious in restoring peace between combatants ; and 

 that the herb froviiisa induces harmony between husband and wife. 

 Gcrarde, in his ' Herbal,' mentions a plant, called Concordia, which 

 he says is Argentina, or Silver-weed {Potentilla anserina) ; and in 

 Piedmont, at the present time, there grows a plant (Falma Christi), 

 locally known as Concordia, which the peasantry use for matrimonial 

 divinations. The root of the plant is said to be divided into two 

 parts, each bearing a resemblance to the human hand, with five 

 fingers : if these hands are found united, marriage is sure ; but if 

 separated, a rupture between the lovers is presaged. There is 

 also, in Italy, a plant known as Discordia, likewise employed for 

 love divinations. In this plant the male flowers are violet, the 

 female white ; the male and female flowers blossom almost always 

 the one after the other — the male turns to the East, the female to 

 the West. 



In the Ukraine, there grows a plant called there Prikrit, which, 

 if gathered between August iSth and October ist, has the property 

 of destroying calumnies spread abroad in order to hinder marriages. 

 In England, the Baccharis, or Ploughman's Spikenard, is reputed 

 to be able to repel calumny. In Russia, a plant called Certagon, 

 the Devil-chaser, is used to exorcise the devil, who is supposed to 

 haunt the grief-stricken husband or wife whom death has robbed 

 of the loved one. This grief-charming plant is also used to drive 

 away fear from infants. The Sallow has many magical properties : 

 no child can be born in safety where it is hung, and no spirit can 

 depart in peace if its foliage be an^'^vhere near. 



The Zunis, a tribe of Mexican Indians, hold in high veneration 

 a certain magical plant called Te-na-tsa-li, which they aver grows 

 only on one mountain in the West, and which produces flowers of 

 many colours, the most beautiful in the world, whilst its roots and 

 juices are a panacea for all injuries to the flesh of man. 



The Indian Ttilasi, or Sacred Basil [Ocimum sanctum) is pre- 

 eminently a magical herb. By the Hindus it is regarded as a 

 plant of the utmost sanctity, which protects those that cultivate it 

 from all misfortunes, guards them from diseases and injuries, and 

 ensures healthy children. In Burmah, the Eugenia is endowed with 

 similar magical properties, and is regarded by the Burmese with 

 especial reverence. 



The Onion, if suspended in a room, possesses the magical 

 powers of attracting and absorbing maladies that would otherwise 

 attack the inmates. 



In Peru, there is sajd to grow a wonderful tree called Thcomat. 

 If a branch be placed in the hand of a sick person, and he forthwith 

 shows gladness, it is a sign that he will at length recover ; but if 



