122 FAMILIAR WILD FLOWERS. 



these pages are probably read by those already appreciative 

 of nature, we make no further apology for introducing- the 

 plant, we offer no regret that its commonness forbids its 

 omission. 



The nipplewort is the Lapsana communis. The generic 

 name is Greek in its origin, and refers to the medicinal 

 effects of the plant, while the specific name emphasises 

 the abundance in which the plant may be found. The 

 common English name points to an old belief in its 

 remedial efficacy, as, indeed, do the names of many other 

 plants, names given at a time when the herbalist's calling 

 was held in high repute, and our wild plants were ac- 

 counted not only pleasant to the eye, but full of healing 

 virtues. In some cases the value is beyond dispute, while 

 in others the belief had no solid foundation in fact. In 

 arriving at the truth two prejudices must be borne in mind 

 first, that of the man who sees no use in bringing things over 

 the seas when all kinds of plants are growing almost at our 

 doors; and, secondly, that of the man who thinks but meanly 

 of what can be got with little trouble, but is quite prepared 

 to believe in the efficacy of a remedy that has cost no little 

 pains and expense to procure. When our own plants fur- 

 nish a potent remedy, there can be no reason for setting it 

 aside ; but when the choice of the flora of all the world 

 reveals one still more effectual, it is folly not to avail 

 ourselves of it. 



The belief in the medical efficacy of many of our plants 

 may be gathered from the following names, but a few of 

 those that might readily be culled from old herbals throat- 

 wort, all-heal, eye-bright, fever-few, live-long, mad- wort, 

 tooth- wort, sneeze- wort, self-heal, and wormwood. To 

 these might readily be added many of the old botanical 



