MAEGH. 37 



use of it so irritated and cha]:)ped tlie hands, 

 that the less glutinous root of the wild hyacinth 

 was preferred, when it could be obtained. 



The root of the arum, while in the fresh 

 state, is highly acrid, though a favourite food of 

 the thrush ; but drying, or any application of 

 heat, dissipates its acrimonious quality, and it 

 is then good for food. In Portland island, 

 where the plant grows in great abundance, the 

 dried roots are much eaten by the peasantry ; 

 and both there, and at Weymouth, the powder, 

 or flour, derived from them, is sold, and con- 

 sidered as good for making bread as the corn 

 flour. This powder is also sent to London, and 

 sold by the liOndon chemists under the name 

 of Portland sago : in times of famine, it has 

 been very extensively used, instead of flour, by 

 the poor, throughout England. The fresh root 

 is taken as a medicine, both in this country and 

 in France ; and the renowned cosmetic, known 

 by the name of cypress powder, is made from 

 the arum I'oot. 



The cranesbills, of which we have seventeen 

 kinds among our wild flowers, succeed each 

 other as the summer advances. The carhest 

 blossoming species is very common now, and 

 may be found until autunni. It is the dove's 

 foot cranesbill, {Ceraniioa vwlle.) It has a 

 small upriglit bell-shaped flower, of a deep rose- 

 colour, and round leaves ; which, as well as its 

 steins, are so covered with soft hairs, that it is 

 like velvet to the touch. The French also term 

 it, pied ds 2>i(jeon. 



