Stray Leaves from a Border Garden 
changed into swans. In Ireland, I believe, the Nettle is 
called the “ Devil’s Apron.” An ill-tempered, peevish 
person was formerly called in Scotland “ netterie ” or 
“ nettlie,” and to be in “ nettle earnest ” meant not to be 
trifled with. In my old Herbal the virtues ascribed to 
Nettles are such I feel quite ashamed of the war we have 
raged against the Nettles which had overrun this place when 
we first came. In an essence they are good against the 
“ Stinging or Biting of any venomous Creature, as of Ser- 
pents, Mad Dogs, Scorpions, Hornets, etc., and Resists the 
Poisonous qualities of Hemlock, Henbane, Mandrake, 
Mushromes, Nightshade, etc. Bathed upon overwearied 
Members, it refreshes them, eases Pains and Discusses 
simple Contusions. The oil by Decoction, made of the 
Juice or Green Herb bruised and boiled to crispness in 
Sallet oil and then prest forth, reiterating the operation 
three times. Being anointed upon a place stung with 
Nettles, it is said to be a perfect Remedy, to take away 
the pain and stinging. A Cataplasm made with equal parts 
of Green Leaves of Nettles, and Dwarf Elder Leaves, and 
applyed to the Gout, Sciatica, or Joint aches in any part, it 
quickly gives admirable ease, and in a little time Cure.” 
This last modest assertion is quite delightful. Further, 
“the Pouder of the Leaves and Seed given to Hens in 
their Meat in Winter time is said to make them to lay 
Eggs all Winter more plentifully.” This last assertion was 
received with polite incredulity by a hen-wife to whom I 
quoted it. An old Scotch rhyme says the Nettle must be 
pulled in June : 
Ere it’s in the blume 
Pull it by the auld wa’s, 
Pull whar the sun n’er fa’s, 
Stoo it when the day daw’s, 
Pu’ the nettle early. 
Ang.-Sax. netel; Danish, naelde ; Swed. noetta; Ger. 
nessel. Till flax and hemp came into common use, the 
Nettle seems to have supplied all thread for weaving. 
I was amused to find the other day that in the Gardener’s 
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