TRUE MAIDEN HAIR . 
2) 
on account of the mucilage they contain. John Ray 
cites the Maiden Hair as a cure for innumerable 
maladies when used in decoction, by pouring boiling 
water on the fronds. Like other ferns, it is slightly 
astringent, and imparts a bitter taste to the water, 
and has also a smooth mucilaginous property, which 
may account for its supposed virtues. As in the case 
of many other vaunted remedies, faith and belief in its 
power doubtless made up for all its real deficiencies as 
a curative agent. 
The Canadian species of Maiden Hair was intro¬ 
duced into this country by John Tradescant, and it 
grows in such profusion in its native district, that it is 
frequently used as a package for goods. The French 
chemists use this species extensively in the manufac¬ 
ture of capillaire , a sweet syrup, which is sold very 
largely both in Paris and London. The true Maiden 
Hair is employed chiefly in England for this purpose, 
and is a safer plant than the Canadian one, which acts 
as an emetic when taken in any quantity. Dr. Ball, 
of Dublin, says that the inhabitants of Arran, where 
the Maiden Hair grows plentifully, employ it as a 
substitute for tea. 
The Maiden Hair is a beautiful fern in cultivation ; 
it grows freely in a green-house, without any artificial 
heat beyond what is afforded by the protection of 
glass. It should never be exposed to the direct rays 
of the sun. In Wardian cases it is eminently suc¬ 
cessful, if its natural requirements be attended to, and, 
