TRUE MAIDEN HAIK. S 



From the earliest times the fronds of this fern have 

 had a reputation as a remedy in pulmonary diseases, on 

 account of the mucilage they contain. John Ray cites 

 the Maiden Hair as a cure for innumerable maladies, 

 when used in decoction, by pouring boiling water on 

 the fronds. Like other ferns, it is slightly astringent, 

 and imparts a bitter taste to the water, and has also a 

 smooth mucilaginous property, which may account for 

 its supposed virtues. As in the case of many other 

 vaunted remedies, faith and belief in its power doubt- 

 less made up for all its real deficiencies as a curative 



The Canadian species of Maiden Hair was intro- 

 duced into this country by John Tradescant, and it 

 grows in such profusion in its native district, that 

 it is frequently used as a package for goods. The 

 French chemists use this species extensively in the 

 manufacture of capillaire, a sweet syrup, which is sold 

 very largely both in Paris and London. The True 

 Maiden Hair is employed chiefly in England for this 

 purpose, and is a safer plant than the Canadian one, 

 which acts as an emetic when taken in any quan- 

 tity. Dr. Ball, of Dublin, says that the inhabitants 

 of Arran, where the Maiden Hair grows plentifully, 

 employ it as a substitute for tea. 



The Maiden Hair is a beautiful fern in cultiva- 

 tion j it grows freely in a green-house, without any 

 artificial heat beyond what is afforded by the protec- 

 tion of glass. It should never be exposed to the 

 direct rajs of the sun. In Wardian cases it is 

 eminently successful, if its natural requirements be 

 B 2 



