DERIVATIONS OF THE LATIN NAMES OF PLANTS. 
61 
those reptiles otherwise prefer. Sheep and Goats eat it; Cows, Horses, and 
. Swine refuse it. 
Actinocarpus, —Named from axr/v, a ray, and xoignos, a fruit, in consequence 
of its curiously radiated fruit resembling a Star-fish. 
Actinocarpus Damasonium , Star-headed Thrum-wort, or Water Plantain.— 
This plant had the reputation of removing the effects of the venom of the Sea- 
dog (Loudon). 
Adiantum. —From *, neg., and to grow wet. So called because its 
leaves are not easily made wet. 
Adiantum capillus-veneris , True maiden-hair.—A most elegant Fern, especially 
when it projects from the sides of upright dripping caves or rocks. It is used in 
the South of France, as well as A. pedatum , to make a syrup, which, being per¬ 
fumed with Orange flowers, is called capillaire , and known by that name 
throughout Europe, as a refreshing beverage when diluted with water. Asple- 
nium trichomanes is occasionally substituted—an immaterial imposition, as 
neither plant seems to possess either pectoral or any other active virtues. 
Adonis. —From «<W, pleasing; so named because it was fabled that Adonis 
was changed into this flower by V enus, after having been slain by a Boar. 
“- - Where the blood was shed, 
A flower began to rear its purple head.”—Ovm. 
Adonis autumnalis* Adonis-flower, Bed Maithes, Autumnal Pheasants’-eye.— 
Its beautiful scarlet blossoms have gained it admittance into gardens. Both the 
French name Goutte-de-sang , and the more classical Adonis , may equally be 
traced to the sanguineous colour and globose form of the flowers, especially in an 
unexpanded state; in the latter designation fabled to have sprung from the blood 
of that favourite. Besides the English names given above, it has been called 
Bird’s-eye, Bed Chamomile, and Rose-a-rubie , Flos-adonis. Miller informs 
us in his Gardeners Dictionary (1759), that great quantities of the flowers of 
this plant were annually brought to London, and sold in the streets under the 
name of red-morocco. In French it is called Gouttes-de-sang (drops of blood) ; 
Aiie-de-faisan (Pheasant’s-wing); and Oeil-de-perdrix (Partridge’s-eye). 
Adoxa. —From a, without, and glory; from the humble aspect of this 
little flower. 
Adoxa moschatellina , Tuberous Moschatel.—This is an unobstrusive little 
plant, flowering as early as the latter end of March, or the beginning of April, 
and ripening its berries in May, soon after which its leaves decay. It delights 
to grow in moist shady places in woods and similar situations; a circumstance 
which has not escaped the notice of the poet-— 
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