220 XIX. OPHIOGLOSSUM. 
A local species, but generally exceedingly abundant 
where present, which is in moist pastures and meadow 
lands, where it is sometimes so abundant as for a time 
almost to usurp the place of the grasses. It is generally 
distributed over England, apparently less general in Wales, 
Scotland, and Ireland ; and is also common in different 
parts of Europe. 
Lightlbot says " The common people sometimes make 
an ointment of the fresh leaves, and use it as a vulnerary 
to green wounds, which is a very ancient application." 
He also states that the Botrychium possesses similar vul- 
nerary qualities. 
This plant is not difficult of cultivation in a moist 
loamy soil, and a cool situation, and may be grown either 
in pots or planted out, It is nothing more than a curi- 
osity ; and owing to its prevalence, would hardly be con- 
sidered even that, in the many localities where it grows 
naturally. 
