FLORA'S LEXICON. 



61 



OLTSFOOT. Tussilago Farfarus. Class 

 19, SYNGENESIA. Order : SUPERFLUA. The 

 odd name Coltsfoot was given from the fan- 

 cied resemblance of the leaves to a colt's 

 foot, and from the same cause it has been 

 called, Horse-hoof, Foal-foot, and Bull-foot. 

 The Latin name Tussilago Farfarus is 

 iifrom tussis, a cough, from its supposed efficacy in curing such 

 1 1 complaints, and farfarus, a Greek term for the White Poplar, 

 j! the leaves of which it resembles. Tinder is made from the cot- 

 ji tony down on the under surface of its leaves, and they are some- 

 times smoked instead of tobacco. 



MATERNAL CARE. 



On scaly stem, with cottony down, 



O'erlaid, its lemon-colour'd crown, 



Which droop'd unclosed, but now erect, 



The Colts-foot bright developes ; deck'd 



(Ere yet the impurpled stalk displays 



Its dark green leaves) with countless rays, 



Round countless tubes, alike in dye, 



Expanded. MANT. 



Belinda ! The young blossom that doth lie 

 So lightly on thy bosom, clasp it there; 

 For on her brow an empress doth not wear, 

 Nor in her jewell'd zone, a gem more fair, 

 Or that doth deck her more becomingly. 

 Forget not then, that deep within thy flower 

 The germs lie hid of lovelier, holier things : 

 Filial affection, that spontaneous springs; 

 High truth and maiden purity ; the power 

 That comes of gentleness ; ay, and more, 

 Piety, nourished in the bosom's core ; 

 These, if so cherish'd, shall thy blossom bear, 

 And with the dews of heavenly love impearl'd, 

 It shall adorn thee in another world. 



x WELLS. 



f. 





