226 SIMPLES AND SIMPLERS. 



In the early ages the supposed marvellous effects of ni- 

 hility were attributed to some planet, deity, or saint. Now 

 they are equally credited, but referred abstractly to some 

 hidden and mysterious power of nature. All the laws of 

 nature are inexplicable ; but nothing satisfies the general 

 craving for the wonderful, unless it be impossible. It is 

 not considered marvellous that a few grains of a poison- 

 ous substance should cause death, or that a smaller quan- 

 tity of it should cure disease ; but if it should be affirmed 

 that an infinitesimal quantity of the juice of a plant 

 whose juices can be swallowed by the pint without any 

 effects upon the system, will cure disease, the assertion 

 gratifies the popular appetite for the marvellous, and is 

 believed. 



It must be confessed that these old superstitions have 

 spread the charm of romance over a great part of the 

 vegetable kingdom. From these poetic illusions origi- 

 nated the ancient floral games and the use of plants in 

 the ceremonies of religion, which" is the great fountain of 

 pure romance. The supernatural dangers that seemed to 

 attend botanizing excursions of old enveloped all the wood 

 in the charm of mystery. The mandrake was a plant 

 whose destruction would be a forewarning of death to the 

 person who should injure it. But as the mandrake was 

 •believed to possess some excellent properties for purifying 

 the blood, which were indicated by its red sap, it was very 

 (desirable to be obtained as a medicine. An expedient 

 was therefore adopted by the people to obtain possession 

 of the plant, without implicating themselves. Its roots 

 were fastened by a cord to some animal, usually a dog, 

 who was compelled by whipping to pull them up from 

 the earth. The dog was afterwards supposed to die, as a 

 punishment for his involuntary act. 



In these days we admire the peony as a splendid flower, 

 and cultivate it in our gardens for its beauty. But the 



