DWARF RED RATTLE.— Fedicularis 



Sylvatica. ^^'^(^'f^tfyyar-/- 

 Class DiDYNAMiA. Order Angiospermta. Nat. Ord. Scrophula- 



RINE^. — FiGWORT TRIBE. 



This flower is called also by the unpleasing 

 name of Lousewort, and both that and its 

 scientific appellation are significant of its sup- 

 posed influence in causing disease to the 

 animals which feed upon it. But the plant 

 grows most abundantly on moist heaths, or on 

 wet hilly grounds, and such pastures are not 

 favourable to the health of cattle. Just as 

 the wild thyme has an old repute for its bene- 

 ficial effects on the flock, because the dry hilly 

 plain which is fragrant with its flowers is a 

 spot which suits them weU ; so the ills of the 

 moist soil are attributed entirely to the plants 

 which grow upon it. This flower is found 

 sometimes on heaths, and its large rose-coloured 

 blooms and prettily shaped foliage, render it 

 very ornamental to such places during the 

 month of July. It is found almost throughout 

 Europe, and is as plentiful on the moist lands 

 of Siberia, as on those of our own country. 

 The expressed juice of the herb was formerly 

 used medicinally. 



