FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 
113 
abundant, Mr J. Cruickshank. Near Airlie Castle, Mr J. 
Donald. Into all these stations it has probably been intro- 
duced at some remote period. It has the reputation of pos- 
sessing poisonous qualities, and in the dark ages of witchcraft 
found a place in Hecate’s pharmacopseia. Percy (in his An- 
nals of Peterhead) makes one of his witches say : 
“ I liae been plucking (plants among,) 
Hemlock, henbane, adder’s tongue, 
Nightshade, moon-wort, libbcird’ s-bane ; 
And twice by the dogges was like to be ta’en.” 
Bellis, L. Daisy. 
Br. sp. 1. F. 1. 
B. perennis, L. Common Daisy or Gowan. H. 198, B, 
157- — F. at all seasons, but most profusely in May and 
June. P. 
This “ wee modest crimson-tipped flower” is found in 
nearly all places where plants will grow, and flowers in ail 
seasons : from the sea-shore to the mountain-summit it is our 
constant companion, and from midsummer to midwinter, and 
to midsummer again, we never miss its starry blossoms in our 
rural walks. The rays of the head are sometimes pure white, 
though generally more or less tinted with crimson. The daisy 
is the commonest though loveliest of our native flowers, with 
associations numerous and interesting;. It is dear to the heart 
of childhood, and to those of riper years what a luxury it is 
to walk in the fresh meadows and fields when gemmed with 
myriads of et Mayl’gowans,” — health in every breeze, and the 
music of happy birds floating all around, inspiring the heart 
with peace and cheerfulness. 
Clare says, 
“ Trampled under foot, 
The daisy lives, and strikes its little root 
Into the lap of Time : centuries many come 
And pass away into the silent tomb, 
And still the child, hid in the womb of Time, 
Shall smile and pluck thee.” 
It also speaks to our higher comprehensions, and whispers 
of Him, who is 
“ Ever present, ever felt, 
In the void waste, as in the city full,” 
