GOO 
MR. W. II. niDWELL ON SOME OBSOLETE DISHES. 
ferhenaca), also used for diseases of the eye, ■whence its name, 
“ clear eye.” In some cases the seed of "wild clary ■was laid 
under the eyelid, to clear a film from the eye, ■which an old ■writer 
reeommends as being safer than jiicking it ■with a needle. In 
cookery the plant was not only used as a flavouring for ste^ws, but 
the leaves, taken dry, dipped in butter and then fried until they 
■were crisp, “ served for a dish of meate acceptable with manie, 
unpleasant to none.” 
Mint {Mentha riridis). “The smell of which rejoiceth the 
heart of man,” and which ■was not only useful as a pot herb, but as 
a medicine to assist digestion. 
]\Iarjoram {Orii/anuni. vnh/are). Used for making tea for 
rheumatic pains and for bruises. 
The (tErmander {Teucrhim acorodoniu). A medicinal plant 
whose bitter leaves were much esteemed. 
Ked Nettle (Lamiuni imrinireiimj , the leaves of Avhich M'ere 
pounded in a mortar and boiled in broth. 
Betony {Betoniea ufficinalid), an infusion of 'which ■was taken 
for colds and coughs, and wliich was said to cure forty-seven different 
disorders. 
Nepte {Ncpeta cat aria). A tonic for the digestive organs. 
Cal.vmint {Thfpnus cafaminta). 
Vervein {Verbena, oJjicinaUV). Vein-healing Vervein, as Spenser 
calls it. This aromatic herli entered into the composition of love 
philters, and the root ■worn about the neck was a charm for king’s 
evil. Gerard says : “ kfany odde old wives’ fables are Avritten of 
Vervaine, tending to witchcraft and sorcery Avhich you may rccado 
elseAvhere, for I am not Avilling to trouble your ears with reporting 
such trilles as honest eares abhore to heare.” 
Sorrel {Rumex areto.'^ella), the juice of Avhich Avas used in 
making verjuice and fever drinks, and the leaves eaten as a salad. 
Persicaria {Polijgonum hydrognper). The leaves of this plant, 
Avhich has a burning taste, rubbed on the back or placed under the 
saddle Avere thought to refresh a Avearied horse. 
Aristolochia clematitis. This plant is not indigenous, but 
is found often Avhere are ruins of nunneries. The only station 
recorded in Norfolk is CarroAV Abbey (Trans. Norfolk and NorAvich 
Nat. Soc. vol. ii. ’p. 107). It is a poAverful emetic, and its roots Averc 
celebrated for their stimulating effects on the female constitution. 
