9 



Indian and Romany tribes claims the attention of our thera- 

 peutists and pharmacologists, while that of the Celt is 

 neglected and unknown. Is it not possible that autocratic 

 science has caused us to over-look an Irish Mendel, or relegated 

 to oblivion many a herb with virtues just as magical as those 

 possessed by the Lusmore ? At all events it is not too much 

 to hope that a study of the Ethno -Botany of the Celts allied 

 with the Pharmacology of to-day may win back some of the 

 fame of the Irish Physicians of the long ago, and help at the 

 same time the common cause of humanity. 



Some would perhaps think that the English and Cymric 

 folk botany provides all the material that is necessary in this 

 particular field of research. And it is true that the flora of 

 Ireland is on the whole a reduced British flora. Yet we have a 

 number of species very rare or altogether unknown in Great 

 Britain. Besides, just as we are a distinct national entity, 

 so we possess a specific herb lore, and one which will bear 

 comparison with that of any other country. 



There are many reasons why the study of these Celtic 

 nature creeds should prove interesting. Ireland has acted 

 missionary to many lands, and early medicine and religion 

 went hand in hand. From the economic view point alone 

 Irish folk botany is worthy of attention. The knowledge of 

 vegetable dyes is proved by the variety and richness of colour 

 schemes exhibited in articles of apparel, and above all in the 

 illumination of manuscripts. 



Again, if considered from the educational standpoint, this 

 naturism is a spiritual inheritance which should not be denied. 

 A study of this native flora in Ms own tongue will enable the 

 student to inherit some of the scientific, literary, aesthetic, 

 and religious possessions of the race. 



Recent world events have given to natural science 

 the prominence which it deserves in any educational 

 curriculum. 



