74 THE BOOK OF HERBS 



wounds, ulcers, burns, and other breaches of the skin 

 surface." Personal experience leads me to suggest that 

 it is an excellent household remedy. 



The Corn Marigold {Chrysanthemum segetum) used 

 to be called Guildes, and it was once so rampant that 

 a law was passed by the Scottish Parliament to fine 

 negligent farmers who allowed it to overrun their lands. 

 Hence the old Scots saying — 



The Gordon, the Guild, and the Watercraw 

 Are the three worst ills the Moray ever saw. 



Pennyroyal {Mentha pulegium). 



Peniriall is to print your love, 



So deep within my heart, 

 That when you look this nosegay on 



My pain you may impart, 

 And when that you have read the same, 



Consider wel my woe. 

 Think ye then how to recompense 



Even him that loves you so. 

 A Handful of Pleasant Delites. 



C. Robinson. 



Then balm and mint helps to make up 



My chapter, and for trial, 

 Costmary, that so likes the cup. 

 And next it, pennyroyal. 



Tiduses' Hlysium. 

 Lavender, Corn-rose, Pennyroyal sate, 

 And that which cats ^ esteem so delicate 

 After a while slow-pac'd with much ado. 

 Ground pine, with her short legs, crept hither too. 



Of Plants, book ii. — Cowley. 



In France, Italy, and Spain, the children make a creche 

 de noil at Christmas time ; that is, they make a shed 

 with stones and moss, and surround it with evergreens 

 powdered with flour and cotton-wool, to make a little 

 landscape. In and about this shed are placed the gens 



' Cat-mint. 



