48 COMMON POLYPODY. 



when full of seed, the barren fronds being rejected ; it is hung 

 up in the cottages to dry, and when required for use, is slowly- 

 boiled with coarse raw sugar. It is called by these gatherers, 

 " golden locks," and " golden maiden-hair." 



The virtues formerly attributed to this plant were very nu- 

 merous. Dioscorides says it is of service applied to luxations 

 or limbs out of joint, and to chaps between the fingers ; and 

 that it has the power to purge and draw forth choler and 

 phlegm. Actuarius asserts that it purges melancholy, as we 

 learn from Gerarde ; but he adds that Joannes Monardus thinks 

 its powers of purging very small, a view of the case which our 

 great herbalist informs us "is confirmed by Experience the 

 mistris of things." Pliny recommends it for chaps on the toes ; 

 and farther informs us that the root dried and powdered, and 

 snuffed up the nose, will consume a polypus. It is, doubtless, 

 the " Eheum-purging Polypody " of our own Shakspere. 



The dried and powdered rhizome was formerly applied 

 " externally as an absorbent, and for covering pills," as we are 

 informed by Dr. Lindsay ; (Phytol. iv. 1065). 



