154 COLONSAY 



that the plant caused animals which grazed on it to become 

 subject to parasites (hence the common English name), the 

 poor condition of the animals being really due to the inferior 

 pasturage in which the plant grows. The Gaelic names, on 

 the other hand, were derived from the honey secreted in the 

 floAvers, which children were in the habit of sucking. 



RJiinanthus, L. 



R. Grista-galli, L. Yellow Rattle. Gleadhran. Abund- 

 ant in poor meadows. Ann., June. This plant has short 

 fibrous roots which become attached to the living roots of 

 grasses and other plants by means of suckers. These abstract 

 nourishment from the host plants ; and where it is abundant, 

 as at Crosan, the hay crop is invariably light. Modhalan 

 Buidhe, C. 



Melampyrum, L. 



M. pratense, L. Cowwheat. Not uncommon in dry 

 situations on the hilly ground. Ann., July. 



OROBANCHACE.E (the Broomrape family) 

 A small order of parasitical herbs. The Toothwort is a 

 parasite often growing in Britain on the roots of the Hazel. 



Orobanche, L. 



0. rubra, Sm. Eed Broomrape. Muchdg, I. Neighbour- 

 hood of Kiloran Bay, growing on the roots of the Wild 

 Thyme. A brittle plant, it is frequently broken down by 

 sheep. Per., June. 



LENTIBULARIACE^E (the Pinguicula family) 

 Marsh or aquatic plants with spurred flowers. 



Utricularia, L. 



U. major, Schrnidel. Common Bladderwort. In deep 

 water, west Loch Fada. Per., July. 



