142 COLONSAY 



VACCINIACE^; (the Cranberry family) 

 The Cowberry (Dearc-Mhonaidh) and Cranberry (Muileag ; 

 Gearr-Dhearc), common in the Highlands, bear edible fruit. 

 The Bogberry (Dearc Koide, C. ; Mdineog, I.) is said, when 

 eaten, to cause headache. 



Vacdnium, L. 



F. Myrtillus, L. Blaeberry; Whortleberry. Dearca 

 Coille. Abundant, Coille-mhor. Berries edible. May. 

 The plant (with alum) yields a blue dye. The first tender 

 leaves cannot be distinguished from real tea when properly 

 gathered and dried. W. Dearcan Fithich, C. 



(the Heath family) 

 Shrubs of low growth, often growing on moors and hills 

 in peaty soil. The foliage of some species Rhododendrons, 

 Azaleas, etc. is poisonous. The briar-root of commerce, 

 for making pipes, is the wood of the Tree Heath, a native 

 of the south of Europe. This order includes some pretty 

 greenhouse and garden shrubs Indian Rhododendrons, 

 American Azaleas, etc. The Strawberry Tree (Caithne, C.) 

 is confined to Ireland. 



Arctostaphylos, Adans. 



A. Uva-ursi, Spreng. Bearberry. Braoileag. Among 

 the heather on dry, rocky hills. May. 



Calluna, Salisb. 



0. vulgaris, Hull. Common Ling or Heather. Fraoch. 

 By far the commonest species. Used for making door- 

 mats, brooms, ropes for fixing on thatch, etc. A green dye 

 (with alum) is obtained from it. Heather ale is said to 

 have been formerly made from the green tops. Miona 

 (meanbh) Fhraoch = the young growth after the old heather 

 is burned. Cattle prefer it to the older growth, and it forms 



