MISTLETOE ELDEE. 147 



have not cared to ask its protection, for it is too weak to injure.' 

 Loake immediately ran and found the plant, and gave an 

 arrow formed of it to the blind Heda, telling him that Balder 

 was before him. Heda discharged the arrow, and Balder fell, 

 pierced and slain. Thus the offspring of a goddess was killed 

 by an arrow of Mistletoe shot by a blind man." This legend is 

 the origin of the respect felt both by the Gauls and Druids for 

 this plant. I found the story in a book entitled " Forest Trees 

 of Britain," by Mr. Johns. 



The Mistletoe grows most frequently on Apple trees, where 

 I have seen it in abundance in Somersetshire, and more 

 sparingly in Kent and Devon. It is also found on the Pear, 

 Hazel, Hawthorn, Maple, Willow, Ash, Elm, and Poplar. Dr. 

 Borlase tells us that the Druids went in solemn procession to- 

 gather it from the Oak, to present it to Jupiter, with an in- 

 vocation to all the world to assist at the ceremony. 



" Mystic Mistletoe flaunted, 

 Such as the Druids cut down with golden hatchets at Yule-tide." 



They had the Mistletoe in great veneration, and termed it the 

 universal remedy. Two white bulls, never yoked, were led 

 forth, and the priest, or arch-Druid, clothed in white, ascended 

 the Oak, and cut the Mistletoe with a golden hook, while a 

 white garment was spread beneath it, into which it fell. From 

 this a kind of catholicon was formed, which cured all manner of 

 diseases, and was an antidote to poison. The flowering time 

 of the Mistletoe is April. Each seed contains the germ of two 

 plants. When inserted into the bark of a suitable tree, it lies 

 dormant for two years ; after which the bark becomes fretted, 

 and a young plant appears. 



The Elder blossom (Sambucus nigra), is a very familiar 

 friend, the large flat cymes covering many a bush in every part 

 of England about July, and the overpowering scent making 

 itself perceptible at a great distance. High authorities are at 

 variance about the excellencies of this bush. Evelyn says, 

 that if its virtues were fully known no one need longer have 



