YEBVAI2T. 229 



them ; the calyx is shaped like a low helmet or skullcap : 

 hence its name. 



The Lesser Skullcap (S. minor), is not a span high, with 

 entire leaves, heart-shaped at the base. The flowers are in 

 pairs, and of a redder lilac than those of the other species ; 

 the lower lip is variegated with white. It is a much scarcer 

 plant than the Greater Skullcap, of which I see Edward has 

 specimens from the banks of the Avon, in Warwickshire. I found 

 my plants on the margin of a little lake called Sheerwater, on 

 Lord Bath's property, in Wiltshire. It grew along with the Bog 

 Pimpernel, adding beauty to a scene already very rich in charms. 



The numerously-represented order of Labiates is succeeded 

 by one with but a single British member. 



The common Vervain has a tubular calyx and corolla ; the 

 flowers are pale lilac, and placed sparingly on a tall tough 

 spike. The lobes of the ovary are all fastened together in this 

 order, which distinguishes it from the Labiates, where the 

 four lobes are free. The Wild Vervain (Verbena officinalis), was 

 one of the plants regarded with superstitious veneration by the 

 Druids ; they directed that it should be gathered about the 

 rising of the Great Dog Star, but so as for neither sun nor moon 

 to be above the earth to see it. It was then considered to confer 

 the power of foretelling future events. The Druids reverenced 

 the Vervain nearly as much as the Mistletoe, and introduced it 

 into their religious ceremonies. This is the "holy herb" of 

 Dioscorides, who ascribed great powers to it, especially in 

 incantations ; and it used to be much esteemed as an ingredient 

 in the preparation of love philtres. Mr. Morley pretended to 

 cure scrofula, by suspending this plant round the neck of the 

 patient, as recently as the last century. Sir Walter Scott 

 alludes to the prevalent belief in its powers : 



Trefoil, Vervain, John's Wort, Dill, 

 Hinder witches of their will." 



Pliny speaks of its use in telling fortunes, and of the estima- 

 tion in which the Romans held it. It is a very unattractive 



