BUINS, WALLS, AND WASTE PLACES. 215 



The Groosefoots (Chenopodium) are now plentiful 

 everywhere. The green spikes of the Good King 

 Henry, or Mercury G-oosefoot (Chenopodium bonus 

 Henricus), begin to rise out of the dull triangular 

 leaves of this spinach-looking plant : indeed, it is fre- 

 quently cooked and eaten as spinach in Lincolnshire. 

 It is one of those plants that lurk round the site of 

 old monasteries, where, probably, in the dearth of 

 other vegetables, it was cultivated, and its insipidity 

 not so much despised. There are some dozen v&rieties 

 in addition, all bearing the same family likeness, the 

 green leaves more or less lobed and toothed ; the 

 under side grey, the spikes of greyish-green: 



Somewhat similar in colour, only much taller and 

 more woody, and the leaves more cut, is the Mugwort 

 (Artemisia vulgaris). The upper surface of the leaf 

 is dark green, the under side white and cottony, which 

 turns black as winter advances. The furrowed stem 

 bears a raceme of dull-looking flowers, often purplish 

 when young, but when old yellowish, with closely 

 clipped rays. The plant furnishes a useful tonic, and 

 was formerly worn as a charm against ague. It had 

 the reputation of being a preventive of fatigue. The 

 common Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) has a 



