144 COLONSAY 



Shieldworts, etc., are represented in gardens by many pretty 

 varieties. 



Primula, L. 



A genus of plants including lovely alpine species. The 

 Cowslip (Muisean) and the Oxlip (Bugha Geal, I.) are 

 British natives. Wine is made from the flowers of the 

 Cowslip. P. sinensis from China and P. japonica from 

 Japan are old greenhouse favourites. 



P. vulgaris, Huds. Primrose. Sobhrachan. Samharcan, 

 C. Edges of woods and shady slopes and banks. Used as 

 an ingredient in healing ointments. Per., May. 



"Sobhrachan, Samhrachan, Biadh-iir-Eunachan, is maith am biadh 



paisd, e ; 



Grainnseagan 's Dearca Coille, biadh na cloinne san t-samhradh." 



(Children's rhyme ; local.) 



An agreeable wine is prepared from Primroses, not very 

 unlike that made from Cowslips, but considered still more 

 delicate in flavour. 



Lysimachia, L. 



L. punctata, Linn. Yellow Loosestrife. Introduced, and 

 grown in gardens. 



L. nemorum, L. Yellow Pimpernel. (Seamrag Mhuire.) 

 Damp situations, Kiloran woods. Per., July. 



Glaux, L. 



Gf. maritima, L. Sea Milkwort ; Black Saltwort. In 

 plenty on the shore turf, Traigh-nam-Barc, and wedged 

 in between the joints of the phyllites, Port - an - Obain, 

 Balanahard. Common seashore plant. Per., June. 



Anagallis, L. 



A. arvensis, L. Scarlet Pimpernel ; Poor Man's Weather- 

 glass. (Falcair-Fiadhain.) Cornfields, etc. Ann., July. On 



