67 
Oenus 4. 
Hartstongues. Scolopendria, Clusters and covers in 
pairs, one seated on the lower, and the other on the upper 
branch of each side-vein, and opening to face each other. 
Tor examining plants of this genus, neither should too 
young plants be selected, for then the two covers fold over 
each other, nor should the plants be too old, for then the 
covers disappear, and the two lines of fructification are in 
one confused mass. In the intermediate state, the two 
covers are apparent to the natural eye, Plate II, fig. 17. 
By making a transverse section of the fructification when 
young, and by microscopical inspection, it will be observed 
that the two covers fold over each other, and that there are 
also two masses of fruit. This is a genus of which only a 
few species have been found throughout the whole world. 
Plate II, fig. 17. 
“ This herb, if Pliny saith aright, 
Doth cure the Scolopendra’s bite : 
From this its name is taken. 
But, like the famed Mandragora, 
Its use and name have passed away 
From the Materia Medica — 
Time hath the fable shaken. 
Truth’s dicta time doth never shake — 
Thus when you observation take 
Of its elongate form and make. 
The Hartstongue doth appear 
And when you note its sporules wide 
Arranged upon the under side. 
Like legs to centipede supplied, 
The Scolopendra’s clear.” — G-ilbertus Cambrensis. 
Epigrams, No. 27. 
Hartstongue. Scolopendrium vulgare. This Pern is very 
abundant in this district, and grows profusely on neglected 
walls and hedge-banks, as well as in old wells. Those 
