BETONY. 59 



linear, lanceolate, leflexed bracteae at the base. The calyx is 

 monophyllous, tubular, lO-ribbed, and divided at the border 

 into five-toothed acute segments. The corolla is monopetalous, 

 bi-labiate, purple, with a cylindrical curved tube ; the upper lip 

 is plane, entire, and obtuse ; the lower one larger and divided 

 into three lobes, the middle lobe larger, roundish, and slightly 

 notched. The stamens are four didynamous ; the filaments 

 awl- shaped, inclined towards the upper lip ; the anthers globose, 

 2-lobed. The germen is superior, rounded, 4-lobed, supporting 

 a simple filiform style, terminated by a bifid stigma. The fruit 

 consists of 4 oval, brown seeds, situated in the bottom of the 

 persistent calyx. Plate 6, fig. 2, («) the entire flower ; (b) the 

 corolla seen in front; (c) the pistil and part of the calyx. 



This hardy perennial plant grows in shady places in woods 

 and meadows, flowering in Jvdy and August. It is not uncom- 

 mon in England ; rare in Scotland. Tt often grows in beds, 

 and when peeping up among bushes and low shrubs, has a 

 pretty effect. 



Pliny states that the term hetonica altered from vetonica, is 

 derived from the Vetones, who inhabited the country at the base 

 of the Pyrennees, and who first brought the plant into notice. 

 This, says Theis, is an error, hetonic is the true Celtic name of 

 the plant, and it comes from he7i, the head, and ton, good ; in 

 allusion to its cephalic properties. 



Qualities and General Uses. — The sensible qualities of 

 betony are rather feeble. The roots have a bitter and nauseous 

 flavour. The leaves, together with a slight bitterness, have an 

 austere and somewhat saltish taste. The flowers exhale a 

 slight aromatic odour, which is soon dissipated. Bartholinus* 

 relates, that persons employed in gathering betony for medical 

 purposes, have been seized with a kind of intoxication, which 

 caused them to commit all kinds of extravagancies. Other 

 similar instances are on record, but if not absolutely untrue, 

 they are greatly exaggerated. 



This plant communicates a fine durable brown colour to wool, 

 which is previously impregnated with a weak solution of 

 bismuth. 



Medical PRorERTiEs and Uses. — Few plants have been 



' Historia Anatomicarum Observatiomun, Obs. y?, Cent. 3. 



