HABITS AND LATIN NAMES OF BRITISH PLANTS. 19$ 
ingly fine hay, though scarcely attaining perfection the first few years. When 
fully established, it produces annually a larger supply of fodder. It is peculiarly 
eligible on very poor lands; but advancing slowly after once cut, it is greatly 
inferior to Clover. The sweetish taste of the leaves is said to change on the 
palate to a disagreeable bitter. 
Atriplex .—From «, not, and to astonish. 
Atriplex portulacoides , Shrubby Orache, Sea Purslane.—The whole plant 
abounds with fossil alkali or Soda. The silvery glaucous hue is remarkable, and 
not inelegant. 
Atriplex patula , Delt Orache, Spreading Halberd-leaved Orache.—It is some¬ 
times gathered as a potherb, ana eaten in lieu of Spinach and other greens.. 
Cows, Goats, Sheep, and Swine eat it, but do not seem to be fond of it. 
Atropa. —After Atropos, one of the Fates or Parcse, supposed to sever the 
thread of life (“ Atropos occat .”), in allusion to the deadly quality of the plant. 
Atropa belladonna , Deadly or Sleepy Nightshade, Diovy-berries, Dwale.—• 
The more gentle appellation of this species, Bella-donna (Fair Lady), probably 
arose from its being used as a cosmetic by the Italian belles. The caterpillars of 
Vhal<Ena antiqua and P. brassica feed upon its foliage. The juice of the ripe 
berries stains paper of a beautiful and durable purple. Connected with this 
deleterious herb ( Solanum lethale of the older writers), is a remarkable historical 
event, which, although at the time enrolled among the annals of patriotism, must 
in a more civilized age, be reprobated as an atrocious instance of barbarian perfidy. 
According to Buchanan, in the reign of Duncan I., King of Scotland (afterwards 
murdered by the tyrant Macbeth), Harold, the Dane, invaded England, while 
his brother Sweno made a descent upon Scotland. Landing in Fife, he gained a 
signal victory, and pursued the Scots to the ancient Perth, where the remnant of 
their army scarcely retained the power of resistance. The Scottish monarchy 
possessing little martial energy, entrusted the conduct of affairs to his lieutenants, 
the wily Banquo and the aspiring Macbeth. While the latter was employed in 
raising fresh forces, the former negociated a truce; engaging likewise to supply 
provisions for the hostile army. The liquors sent proved a deadly potion from an 
infusion of the Dwale. The invaders drank so freely and unsuspectingly, that 
they were quickly overpowered and slaughtered by their treacherous foes, and 
with difficulty re-embarked even their king. 
Avena. —From aveo, to covet; so called because cattle are fond of some of 
its species. 
Avena fatua , Bearded Wild Oat-grass.—The flow T ers serve rustic fishermen, 
instead of artificial flies, to catch Trout. The awns are used for hydrometers, 
being very sensible to the dryness or humidity of the atmosphere, which changes 
cause them to contract or expand in an animated manner. By a similar move- 
