120 FAMILIAR WILD FLOWERS. 



Staggers in Horses ; " while for the diseases of humanity 

 Culpepper tells us that " Rag-wort is under the command of 

 Dame Venus, and cleanseth, digesteth, and discusseth.-" 

 It is commended as a valuable remedy for sore throat, 

 quinsy, catarrh, and the healing of wounds. It is also 

 highly esteemed as a soothing application. 



Entomologists will appreciate the rag-wort as the food- 

 plant of the caterpillar of the beautiful cinnabar moth 

 (Callimorpha Jacob feee], its second, or specific name, clearly 

 testifying to its connection with our plant. The colour of 

 the upper wings of the moth is a delicate brown, that bears 

 on it a narrow crimson stripe and two crimson spots, and 

 the hind wings are crimson throughout with a bordering of 

 black. This beautiful moth is common and generally dis- 

 tributed in England, though in Scotland it is an entomo- 

 logical " find/' from its great rarity. The larva or cater- 

 pillar is slightly hairy, has a black head, and its body is 

 black, ringed with orange-yellow. It should be looked for 

 on the rag- wort during July and August, and will ordinarily 

 be found in companies. 



