PEOPEETIES AND USES. 393 



Asplenium liicidum. 

 A Fern with, pinnate shining' fronds, 2 or more feet in 

 length. By the New Zealanders it is regarded as a sacred 

 plant ; it is used by their priests when praying over a sick 

 person ; holding- a frond of it in his hand, he waves it over 

 the patient, and if it hajjpens to break it is regarded as a 

 fatal omen. Before engaging in any war-like enterprise, 

 it is also waved in the same manner whilst offering up 

 prayers to the spirits for success ; if it breaks it is supposed 

 the gods are adverse to their engaging in war. When the 

 chief has his hair cut, he holds a frond of this Fern in his 

 hand, and when finished the priest takes it and waves it 

 over his head, and at the same time prays ; it is afterwards 

 dipped in water, and shaken over the chief's head ; if the 

 frond does not break it is considered to indicate long life, 

 but if it breaks it is regarded as a sig-n that he will not 

 live long. It is also used as an emblem of mourning. 

 The European Aspleniie, such as A. Biita-nmraria, A. Tri- 

 chomaiies, A, Adiantiim nigrum, and A. mariiium, well known 

 by the name of spleenworts, have in old times been famed 

 for their many remedial virtues, but are now of no repute. 



Si-olopendrium vulgare. 

 The Hart's Tongue was in ancient times hig-hly reputed 

 for its medicinal properties ; it is considered astringent 

 and useful in diarrhoea ; the fronds are also made into an 

 ointment for scalds, wounds, &c. 



Ceterach officinaruyn. 

 At one time this was in high repute as a remedy in 

 diseases of the spleen and jaundice. Gerard, however, in 

 his Herbal, says, that many of the properties attributed to 

 it are no better than " old wives' fables." 



