72 FAMILIAR WILD FLOWEES. 



correct to say an uncertain king Lysimachus, who first 

 used it to his own great advantage, arid then introduced 

 it to his people. Even in Pliny's time, however, a second 

 theory was advanced amongst those, probably, who felt 

 dubious as to the existence of such a monarch : these 

 unbelievers affirmed that the name was compounded from 

 the Greek words signifying dissolving strife, and this 

 interpretation we still see literally adhered to in the 

 common English name. It was held that a plant of it 

 put beneath the yokes of the oxen at plough made them 

 quiet; and in the same way restive horses could be 

 subdued. 



On turning to the " Theatrum Botanicum " of Par- 

 kinson, we find that though Pliny is reverently quoted, 

 our author does not altogether suspend his right of 

 private judgment. He speaks of the plant as reputed " to 

 take away strife or debate betweene beasts, not onely those 

 that are yoked together, but even those that are wild 

 also, by making them tame and quiet, which as they say 

 this herbe .will doe, if it be either put about their yokes 

 or their necks, which how true I leave to them shall try, 

 and find it soe." 



