XVI 
INTRODUCTION. 
The introduction to Dr. Prior’s volume gives an admirable sketch 
of the various languages from which our plant-names have been 
derived, and the way in which they have reached ns, rendering it 
unnecessary for ns to give more than the above outline. For further 
information on this interesting and important part of the study we 
must refer our readers to Dr. Prior’s exhaustive dissertation. To 
repeat what he has so well expressed would be superfluous. 
There are, however, several other classes of English Plant-names 
which require to be noticed ; names which describe the structure, 
habits, peculiarities, and properties of plants ; dedicatory names ; 
names which perpetuate almost forgotten superstitions, &c. 
Any one who turns over the pages of the Dictionary will be struck 
with the number of names which embody those of animals. In 
many cases it is from a resemblance, or fancied resemblance, to some 
part of the animal named. The tail-like inflorescence of many species 
has suggested a considerable number of these names, as Mouse-tail, 
Cat’s-tail, Dog’s-tail, Horse-tail, Squirrel-tail, Hare’s-tail, Eat’s-tail. 
The gaping corollas of the Snap-dragons, and other plants which have 
what are known botanically as x>ersoncde flowers, have suggested 
such names as Babbit’ s-mouth, Lion’s-snap, Dog’s-mouth. Even 
the name Snap-dragon itself is from the Dutch sneb^ a snout, so 
that it literally means Dragon’s-snout. Such names as Crane’s-bill, 
Heron’s-bill, and Stork’s-bill, have originated in the long beak -like 
seed-vessels which characterise the Geranium tribe. Hart’s-tongue, 
Ox-tongue, Lamb’s-tongue, Adder’s-tongue, and others of a like 
character, describe for the most part plants with long tongue-like 
leaves. In the Adder’s-tongue it is the spike of fructiflcation 
springing from a somewhat sheathing leaf which suggests a 
resemblance to the tongue of the reptile. Colt’s-foot, Foal-foot, 
Bull’s-foot, Horse-hoof, Cat’s-foot, relate to the shape of the leaves 
of various species ; while several of the leguminous plants which 
have long, claw-like pods radiating from one point, have received 
such names as Bird’s-foot, and Bird’s-foot Trefoil ; and the long pro- 
jecting nectary of the Delphinium and the claw of the Toad-flax 
flower have given rise to such names as Larkspur, Laik’s-claw, Lark’s- 
heel, &c. It is needless to extend the list of this very numerous class 
