130 COLONSAY 



Japan is a desirable addition locally to the list of evergreen 

 shrubs. "Kice-paper" is cut out of the pith of Aralia 

 (Fatsia) papyrifera, a tree of Formosa. 



Hedera, L. 



H. Helix, L. Ivy. Eidheann ; Duchas. Uillean, C. 

 Often growing in exposed situations against perpendicular 

 rocks ; hence the saying with the double meaning, " Theid an 

 duchas an aghaidh nan creag." The leaves were sown into 

 a cap for covering children's heads which were breaking out 

 into sores a complaint now practically unknown locally 

 among infants. Planted against their walls, it helps to 

 dry damp houses. October. Many " gold " and " silver " 

 variegated forms are in cultivation. The badge of the 

 Gordons. 



CAPRIFOLIACE.E (the Honeysuckle family) 



Mostly shrubs, some of them possessing purgative and 

 emetic properties. Laurustinus, a pretty evergreen, and the 

 Snowberry, a deciduous North American shrub with large 

 white berries, are useful plants for shrubberies. Seedlings of 

 the latter were found in crevices on a garden wall. The 

 Guelder Kose (Ceiriocan, C.) and the "Wayfaring - tree 

 (Craobh Fhiadhain, C.) are British natives. The Banewort 

 (Fliodh-a'-Bhalla, C.) was formerly credited with many 

 healing qualities. 



Sambucus, L. 



S. nigra, L. Common Elder. Droman. Frequently 

 planted as a boundary hedge around cottage gardens. The 

 inner bark was largely used along with other herbs in the 

 preparation of healing ointments for burns, etc. Boys aspir- 

 ing to be pipers made chanters of the young branches, which 

 are full of soft pith and easily bored. June. 



