THISTLE. 343 



taken it as a type of a new genus, which he separates from the 

 Cardui. 



The noble appearance of this plant, and the elegant markings 

 of its leaves, render it suitable for cultivation in gardens where 

 there is plenty of room. It is considered by some the emblem 

 of Scotland, and as such is designated by the poet, — 



" Proud thistle ! emblem dear to Scotland's sons, 

 Begirt with threatening points, strong in defence, 

 Unwilling to assault." 



There is, however, this objection to its being considered a na- 

 tional emblem, — viz., that it is rare in Scotland. The welted 

 Thistle, (C acanthoides,) is, perhaps, better entitled to the 

 honour. 



Qualities and general Uses. — The root is esculent in the spring 

 of the second year, like salsafy, and the young tender leaves are eaten in 

 salads, or boiled as greens. The tender stalks peeled and soaked in water 

 to extract their bitterness, are said to furnish an excellent dish, and the 

 receptacle of the flower may be used as a substitute for artichokes *. Rab- 

 bits are very fond of the leaves. In Apulia, the whole plant is used as a 

 fodder for cattle. The seeds are the favourite food of goldfinches. 



The fruit, called seed, is covered with a smooth epidermis, clouded with 

 white and dark brown, and contains a bitterish oily seed : when bruised and 

 infused in water it affords an oily emulsion. The leaves are inodorous, and 

 have an herbaceous, bitterish taste, when masticated, tinging the saliva 

 green ; their aqueous infusion is dull green, changing to blackish brown 

 by the addition of sulphate of iron f. According to Marcgraf, the leaves 

 contain an essential salt, analogous to the tartar of wine. The bitter prin- 

 ciple of the plant seems to be owing to extractive combined with gum. 



Medicinal Properties and Uses. — The medical value of this 

 plant is rather uncertain, some writers considering it extremely 

 efficacious, while others describe it as quite inert. The pro- 

 perties attributed to it are tonic, deobstruent, sudorific, and 

 diuretic. Ettmuller J and Geoffroy highly extol the effects of 

 the seeds in pleurisy, catarrh, and rheumatic pains of the chest ; 

 the former, moreover, recommends it as diuretic and emmena- 

 gogue, useful in leucorrhcea, and when combined with anise or 

 fennel seeds, for promoting the secretion of milk in the breasts 



* " In some parts of France the Lady's Thistle is known by the name 

 of Wild Artichoke."— Flore Med. torn. ii. p. 206. 

 f Bergius Mat. Med. torn. ii. p. 655. 

 $ Opera, cur. J. C. Westphali, p. 534, fol. 1606. 



