306 OUR ROCK-GARDEN 



times already, but has not in the least resented it, 

 possibly, indeed, would feel flattered if it realised 

 the position, that whatever changes overtook us 

 we could bear them with equanimity if only they 

 did not necessitate parting with our royal guest. 

 According to Pechey, " the Root does good in the 

 Cholick and Diseases of the Spleen. It is very 

 effectual for Bruises and those that are wounded, 

 it being boyled in some Liquor. Tis excellent in 

 the Rickets, a Conserve being made of the tender 

 Buds of it, and of Asparagus, Spleenwort, and 

 Harts tongue." 



The little adder's-tongue is abundant in many 

 parts of England, and is readily distinguished from 

 any other of our ferns an individuality that gives it 

 added interest and full welcome to the fernery. It 

 should be sought in moist, loamy meadows, where 

 it is sometimes so plentiful as to greatly injure the 

 pasturage. It was long believed to not only destroy 

 the grass, but to be equally fatal to cattle that 

 might feed on it. Lupton, writing in 1595, has 

 a quaint use for it that must have been a little 

 startling in its application, one would imagine, 

 happy faith, blank dismay, and joyful content fol- 

 lowing each other in rapid succession. He advises 

 us that " Adder's tongue, wrapt in Virgin Waxe, 

 and put into the lefte eare of any Horse makes the 

 Horse to fall downe to the grounde as though he 

 were deade, and when it is taken out of his eare it 



