274 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES MISHMEE 



The same materials are also furnished by an allied species, M. 

 vinifera, the thin pulp of the fruit of which is edible, having a 

 sweet slightly-acid taste, and a kind of wine is made from it. 



Mishmee, a name in India for Coptis teeta, a creeping-rooted, 

 three-leaved, low plant of the Buttercup family (Eanunculaceae), 

 native of Assam. It is sold in bazaars as a bitter tonic. 



Missel, a name in Guiana for the fruit of Blahea quin- 

 quinervia, a moderate -sized tree of the Melastome family 

 (Melastomaceae), native of the forests of Guiana. Its fruit is 

 a six-celled berry seated in a permanent bell-shaped calyx of a 

 yellow colour, and its flavour may be compared to raspberry 

 cream. 



Mistletoe ( Visnim alhicm), a parasitical evergreen shrub of 

 the Mistletoe family (Loranthace?e), common in Middle and 

 Southern Europe, growing on various kinds of trees. It has 

 been said that Mistletoe never grows on the oak ; there are, 

 however, many recorded instances. In this country the apple 

 tree is its favourite, the trees in the orchards of Herefordshire 

 and neighbouring^ counties bein^jj loaded with it. Much has been 

 written respecting the Mistletoe, both as regards its parasitical 

 mode of growth and structure, and also in relation to its ancient 

 fame. History tells us it was held sacred in the religious cere- 

 monies of the Druids. The very general custom of placing 

 twigs and branches of Mistletoe in our houses at Christmas is 

 probably a relic of its pagan sanctity, though now retained 

 merely as an emblem of social friendship and jovial custom that 

 has long characterised that festive season. To supply this 

 simple emblem many tons of Mistletoe are required for London 

 alone ; and it appears that the home produce is not equal to the 

 demand, it being extensively imported from France, chiefly from 

 Normandy. In December 1880 the quantity was above 2300 

 crates, each crate weighing 1 cwt. ; of which 160 crates were 

 sent to Liverpool, 100 to JManchester, 40 to Glasgow, and 

 various quantities to other places. In the early part of the 

 month of December the price of a crate averages from 4s. 6d. to 

 5s., but as Christmas approaches, the price advances to 8s., 12s., 



