76 THE WOODLANDS. 



proverb, intended to represent the great value of the 

 Wood Betony, 1 which was held in great repute, not 

 only for its medicinal virtues, but as a charm against 

 evil spirits. Unfortunately, its virtues are not equal 

 to its repute, as it is a plant common enough in 

 England, though rare in Scotland and Ireland. The 

 Bugle 2 enjoyed similar repute, but is equally of little 

 value. This is also common in woodlands, with here 

 and there the " Hedge Woundwort," 3 and the pretty 

 yellow Dead-nettle or yellow Archangel. 4 



Of all the plants in this family none are so profuse 

 as the Wood Sage. 5 The whole plant has a bitter 

 taste, and is said to have been used as a substitute 

 for hops in brewing; at any rate it was formerly 

 employed as a tonic, and probably possesses useful 

 properties in that direction. It is a very sombre- 

 looking plant, with its green flowers and dull sage- 

 like leaves. In some parts of France it is called 

 Ambrosia. 



The true Forget-me-not (Myosotis) is an aquatic 

 species 



" By rivulet, or wet road-side, 



That blue and bright- eyed flow'ret of the brook, 

 Hope's gentle gem, the sweet forget-me-not." 



But there are similar plants in woods, such as the 

 wood Forget-me-not, which is almost confined to 

 Scotland, and the field Forget-me-not, 6 which is occa- 

 sionally met with in woods, but is a poor substitute 



' Stachys betonica. 4 Lamium galeobdolon. 



2 Ajugci reptans. 5 Teticrium scorodonia. 



* Stachys sylvatica. 6 Myosotis arvensis. 



