THE FLORA 145 



the approach of rain the petals close. Farcuire Fuar, I. 

 Formerly used medicinally as a purgative. C. This 

 species, like the common Chickweed, has accompanied man 

 in his migrations over a great part of the globe. 



A. tenella, Murr. Bog Pimpernel. Common on mossy 

 banks and in wet situations. Per., July. 



Centunculus, L. 



C. minimus, L. Small Chaffweed ; Bastard Pimpernel. 

 Traigh Staosnaig and Balanahard. August. This little 

 annual, which has not yet, probably on account of its 

 smallness, been recorded from the neighbouring islands, 

 has a wide distribution over Europe, Russian Asia, North 

 America, and Australia. 



Samolus, L. 



S. Valerandi, L. Brookweed. Edges of stony shallow 

 streams, particularly at the shore. Per., July. 



OLEACE.E (the Olive family) 



The order is represented in shrubberies by the Lilac 

 (Craobh Liath-ghorm, C.), Jasmine, etc. The Privet (Ras 

 Chrann Sior-uaine ; Priobhadh, C.) is much used for hedges, 

 and thrives well in towns. The Olive (Crann Oladh), a 

 native of Syria and Greece, yields the valuable Olive oil. 

 The branch of the Olive signifies peace and plenty. 



Fraxinus, L. 



F. excel&or, L. Ash. Uinnseann. One of the commonest 

 planted trees in Kiloran plantations, and growing naturally 

 from seed. Some trees are also to be seen in Glaic-an- 

 Uinnsinn which are possibly indigenous. Wood used 

 locally for tool-handles, swingle-trees, etc. May. Tough 

 and elastic, it was formerly selected for spear-handles, as 



10 



