PEOPERTIES AND USES. 393 



Asplenium lucidum. 



A Fern with pinnate shining fronds, 2 or more feet in 

 length. By the New Zealanders it is regarded as a sacred 

 plant ; it is used by their priests when praying over a sick 

 person ; holding a frond of it in his hand, he waves it over 

 the patient, and if it happens to break it is regarded as a 

 fatal omen. Before engaging in any war-like enterprise, 

 it is also waved in the same manner whilst offering up 

 prayers to the spirits for success ; if it breaks it is supposed 

 the gods are adverse to their engaging in war. When the 

 chief has his hair cut, he holds a frond of this Fern in his 

 hand, and when finished the priest takes it and waves it 

 over his head, and at the same time prays ; it is afterwards 

 dipped in water, and shaken over the chief's head ; if the 

 frond does not break it is considered to indicate long life, 

 but if it breaks it is regarded as a sign that he will not 

 live long 1 . It is also used as an emblem of mourning. 

 The European Asplenice, such as A. Ruta-muraria, A. Tri- 

 chomanes, A. Adiantum nigrum, and A. marinum, well known 

 by the name of spleenworts, have in old times been famed 

 for their many remedial virtues, but are now of no repute, 



Scolopendrium vulgare. 



The Hart's Tongue was in ancient times highly reputed 

 for its medicinal properties ; it is considered astringent 

 and useful in diarrhoea ; the fronds are also made into an 

 ointment for scalds, wounds, &c. 



Ceterach officinarum. 



At one time this was in high repute as a remedy in 

 diseases of the spleen and jaundice. Gerard, however, in 

 his Herbal, says, that many of the properties attributed to 

 it are no better than " old wives' fables." 



