MOSS. S&) 



flowers like the catkins of the hazel-tree. 

 This species, according to Hieronymus 'Tra- 

 gus, is diuretic, and good for the stone, which 

 it dissolves and discharges. 



The Arabian physicians rank mosses and 

 lichens among their cordial medicines, to 

 strengthen the stomach, and to allay vomits. 



In Lapland, one species of moss or lichen 

 constitutes the sole winter subsistence of that 

 useful animal the rein-deer, and which is 

 thus noticed by Mrs. Rowden : 



" On Lapland's breast by stormy tempests toss'd, 

 'Mid night's drear winter and eternal frost, 

 Soon as the llhen-deer moss erects her head, 

 The modest emblem of her snowy bed ! 

 Fleet as the wind, the hardy Rhen-deer bounds 

 Across the dreary waste and frozen grounds ; 

 Crops with vermilion lips the icy flower, 

 Or sips, from crystal cups, the fleecy shower." 



In Iceland the inhabitants use it for food : 

 they collect a quantity of lichen, which is 

 then chopped small, and boiled in three or 

 four successive portions of water to take off 

 its natural bitterness. It is then boiled lor 

 an hour or two in milk ; when cold it becomes 

 a jelly, which, being eaten with cream or 

 milk, makes a very palatable and wholesome 

 dish. 



