12 
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. At Charmouth, in the fields near the 
pathway to Wootton ; Axminster, in the fields near Evil 
Lane, Park, Lodge Earm, and Great Wood, also in clay 
fields near Wyke ; Chardstock, in fields near the base of 
Tytherleigh hill, and also in clay fields near Chard, 
Combe, and various parts of Axmouth, and in almost every 
parish throughout the district. 
2. Clustered Tongueworts. BotrycTiial^, 
“ The first light night, when the new moon set, 
When all was dolFe and mirk, 
We saddled our nags with the moon fern leaf, 
And rode from Kilmenin Kirk.” 
Plate III. 
Moonwort. Botrychium lunatum. The frond is divided 
into bluntly notched segments, resembling a fan or a half- 
moon. The segments or leaflets have np mid-vein. The 
veins issue from the base of the leaflets, and frequently 
