C7 
39 
searches on the hills round Sidmouth, but hitherto 
without success. 
Uses. — By the country people of Devonshire it is 
used in making Adder’s-spear ointment, which is 
the sovereignest remedy for an inward bruise or an 
outward cut, allaying inflamation and healing all 
wounds. The component parts are Adder’s Tongue, 
Boy’s Love, House Leek, and Elder Blossom. These 
are boiled in fresh butter, strained, and potted for 
use. And it cured the bites of Adders, say the 
following lines — 
For them that are with newts or snakes or adders stung, 
He, seeking out an herb that’s called Adder’s Tongue, 
As nature it ordained its own like hurt to cure — 
Where found.— Sides of Salcombe Hill. Not 
plenty, but said to grow in grass-fields on the slopes 
of several neighbouring hills. 
Culture. — The management is the same as that 
described for the Botrychium lunaria. 
So much for The Ferns of Sidmouth. I hope 
that your diligence and your vigilant eye may dis- 
cover others, and add to the list above given. The 
use of a microscope is of course a great assistance as 
facilitating minute examination ; but in default of 
this, a pocket case of three lenses is a very good 
substitute. Such a set, mounted in black horn 
with sides of mother-of-pearl, purchased in Regent 
Street, would cost twelve or thirteen shillings ; 
whereas the same article obtained of Messrs. Chad- 
burn, (brothers,) Opticians, Sheffield, may be had 
for three-and-sixpence. To this add the postage. 
Now go to work. 
- — 
