90 THE FOXGLOVE. 



it thrives and increases with particular luxuriance ; 

 but many counties may be searched in vain for a 

 single specimen. It seems to prefer a sandy^ gra- 

 velly, or loose drained soil ; not I think vegetating 

 in strong retentive earths. We have few indige- 

 nous plants, not one, perhaps, which we have so 

 often summoned to aid us in our distresses as 

 the foxglove: no plant, not even the colchicum, 

 has been more the object of our fears, our hopes, 

 our trust, and disappointment, than this : we 

 have been grateful for the relief it has afforded, 

 and we have mourned the insufficiency of its 

 powers ; 



" Thy last, sole aid (which art can give) 



The woe-worn parent seeks, and, hoping, clings 

 In tearless wretchedness to thee ; watches with 

 Anxious heart thy subtle progress through the 

 Day, and of thee fitful dreams through all the 

 Night 



_ spare, if thou 



Canst, his hopeless grief; save worth, save beauty, 

 From an early grave." 



As a mere flower, the digitalis is a very handsome 

 plant ; and could we rely upon its yielding the vir- 

 tues it is considered to possess, or could we regulate 

 or controul its influence, it would exist unrivalled 

 for beauty and worth amidst our island plants. 

 Why such a name as u foxesgloves" was be- 

 stowed upon this plant it is difficult to say, per- 

 haps from the bare resemblance to finger-cases 

 presented by its flowers : but I am not one of those 



