USES 
39 
in times gone by reputed to possess the quality of healing- 
wounds, whether applied to them externally, or taken in- 
wardly in the form of a decoction. Its outward application 
was considered a specific against bruises or sprains, and 
good for bones broken or out of joint; and, taken inwardly, 
it was also believed to be good for cholic and for splenetic 
disorders. In some parts of Europe its rootstock is said to be 
used, after being boiled in water, for the purpose of starching 
linen. 
The reputed power of curing splenetic diseases has given 
to a group of Ferns, many species of which are natives of 
Britain, the name of Spleenworts. Some of them, indeed, 
were at one time believed to be effectual in cases of cough 
and asthma, and for scorbutic complaints. One species, the 
Common Maidenhair Spleenwort ( Asplenia in tricliomanes), 
is used in some parts of the Highlands of Scotland, in the form 
of tea, for the cure of coughs and colds ; and in a herbal, 
published three centuries ago, the virtue of keeping the hair 
from falling off, and restoring hair in the place of that which 
had fallen off was ascribed to the same Fern. A gummy 
extract to be obtained from the Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium 
marinum) was also considered some hundreds of years ago 
to afford — if applied outwardly- — great relief from burns, 
even when all other applications had failed. The virtue of 
effectually benefiting persons attacked with splenetic disorders 
has also been ascribed to the Hard Fern ( Blechnum spicant). 
The Scaly Spleenwort ( Asplennim ceterach ) is used as bait for 
rock cod on some parts of the Welsh coast. It is also, 
according to Culpeper, considered to be a remedy for ‘ all 
melancholy diseases 5 if the ‘ herb and roots ’ be ‘ boiled and 
taken.’ 
A pleasant and familiar inhabitant of our lanes and woods 
— the Common Polypody — ( Polypodhim vulgare) has had as- 
cribed to it, by ancient herbalists, various medicinal qualities, 
