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Charm outh, the Adderstoegue grows so plentifully, as to 
give them a peculiar shade.” Seldom does the fruit appear 
on the spike, through the ruthless hand of the mower, who 
befriends not the student of nature’s works. 
Our attention was directed to this plant by a “clever 
woman,” who pronounced it the component part of one of 
the best of ointments. An old man some time since died in 
Axminster Union House, who, in by-gone days, had, in a 
great measure, supported himself by itinerating in various 
parts of Somersetshire for the purpose of vending an oint- 
ment of which this is a constituent part. It was pronounced 
highly beneficial for certain diseases of cattle. When in a 
dying state, he gave the receipt to another pauper, who 
seems to have gained a maintenance from a medicine com- 
posed of this wonderful herb, as he has discontinued from 
that time being a constant inmate of the Workhouse. The 
old poet, whose verses we have quoted, pronounces this a 
sovereign remedy against Adder’s poison. We have yet to 
learn from the faculty, whether this be an undoubted fact. 
We know for a certainty that some of our farriers have many 
fronds and spikes gathered every spring, and use it for a 
specific in the diseases of cattle, and the poor creatures 
recover. Whether they would get rid of their ailments 
without this restorative, we will not presume to determine. 
This is no easy plant to cultivate. Care must be taken 
not to remove the surrounding weeds or to cut the roots, or 
in any way to expose them. It must be placed in a stiff 
loam or clay, and be well Supplied with moisture. 
This Tern is found in great abundance in the months 
of May and June. 
The localities of this Tern are — 
Axminster; in fields near Evil Lane, Lodge Tarm, 
Greatwood, and near Wyke. 
*Axmouth ; in various pasture fields. 
Chard; in meadows between the Eeservoir and the 
Crewkerne road. 
* Chardstock ; fields near the base of Tytherleigh hill. 
Charmouth ; fields near the pathway to Wootton. 
* The author has not visited the places marked by an asterisk, but he has re- 
liable information that the Ferns may be found, or have been found, in that 
situation. 
B 2 
