176 COLONSAY 



ing plants ; and species of Allium, Asparagus (Creamh-mac- 

 Fiadh, C.), etc., indispensable kitchen-garden esculents. 



Ruscus, L. 



R. aculeatus, L. Butcher's Broom. Calg-Bhrudhainn, C. 

 Introduced, and useful for planting in shaded places under 

 trees. In Italy it is made into besoms, with which butchers 

 sweep their blocks. W. 



Polygonatum, Hill. 



P. officinale, All. Solomon-seal. A few plants grow 

 ing spontaneously in Kiloran woods. Per., June. 



Allium, L. 



Bulbous herbs, possessing the peculiar onion or garlic smell. 

 The Onion (Uinnean) is believed to have originated in Africa. 

 It was cultivated in ancient times by the Egyptians and 

 the Jews. The Leek (Creamh-Garaidh) is now regarded as 

 a cultivated variety of the Wild Leek. The Shallot (Sgalaid, 

 C.) and the Garlic (Gairgean Gkraidh) are other useful species. 



A. Schoenoprasum, L. Chives. Feuran. Cultivated in 

 gardens for the leaves, which are used as a spring seasoning 

 for soups, mashed potatoes, etc. 



A. ursinum, L. Kamsons ; Broad-leaved Garlic. Creamh. 

 Common in damp situations in Kiloran woods, and in gullies 

 along the northern shore. Formerly used for seasoning. It 

 is said to impart a disagreeable flavour to the milk of cows 

 and to the flesh of rabbits that eat it. Per., June. 



Scilla, L. 



S. verna, Huds. Spring Squill. Lear-Uinnean, C. 

 Not rare in sandy, rocky situations at the shore. White 

 forms of it were seen at Poll Gorm. Per., May. 



S. non-scripta, Hoffmgg. and Link. Wood Hyacinth ; 



