MULLEIN. 157 



is covered. It is denominated Thapsus from its native place, 

 the isle of Thapsos. The English term, Mullein, seems to be 

 derived from the French Mollene, and that from moelleux, soft, 

 in allusion to the texture of the leaves. It has also been called 

 provincially Ladies' Foxglove, Hare's-beard, and Cow's Lung- 

 wort. 



There are five other native species of Mullein. The dark 

 Mullein, (V. nigrum,) distinguished by its oblong-cordate, 

 stalked, crenate, nearly glabrous leaves, is equally common 

 with the above. The Hoary Mullein {V. pulverulentum) is one 

 of the most magnificent of British herbaceous plants, its flowers 

 forming a golden pyramid nearly a yard high. There are 

 several foreign species, but it is doubtful whether they are all 

 permanent, as the genus is very apt to produce hybrids ; those 

 between V. Thapsus and V. nigra are not uncommon. 



Qualities and general Uses. — Linnaeus states that this 

 plant is never eaten by cattle. It is given medicinally in the 

 pulmonary diseases of cows; hence the name Cow's Lungwort. 

 Bechstein affirms that the roots reduced to powder and mixed 

 with malt-meal speedily fatten poultry. The whole plant tied 

 up in bundles is used in German granaries to prevent the de- 

 predations of mice, for which purpose it is said to be very 

 effectual. The stalks covered with pitch have been used as 

 flambeaux. The flowers afford a delicate though not durable 

 yellow to wool and cotton ; an infusion of them was used by 

 the Roman ladies to tinge their dresses of the golden hue once 

 so much admired in Italy. Boccone mentions that the seeds of 

 this plant thrown into a fish-pond stupify the fish, so that they 

 may be taken with the hand. The down which covers the 

 leaves and stem may be used as tinder or moxa. 



The physical qualities of Mullein are rather feeble. The 

 leaves have a weak, subnarcotic, rather unpleasant odour, and 

 an herbaceous, bitterish taste. The recent flowers have a simi- 

 lar odour, but when dried they are more pleasant, and their 

 odour is compared by Bergius * to that of the Florentine Iris ; 

 their taste is agreeable, sweetish, and mucilaginous. The 

 aqueous infusion of the leaves and flowers reddens turnsol, and 

 takes a greenish black hue with sulphate of iron. Morin states 



* Mat. Med. torn. ii. p. 117. 



