478 
HABITS AND LATIN NAMES OF BRITISH PLANTS* 
The Wallflower has been considered the emblem of fidelity in misfortune, because 
it attaches itself to the desolate, and enlivens the ruins which time and neglect 
would otherwise render repulsive. It conceals the savage records of feudal times 
by decorating the castle-walls ; occupies the painful void of the mouldering 
abbey; and weaves a garland on the dilapidated monument, deserted even by 
grateful memory, 
Chelidonium .— XsXi^uvm, from Xe3u», the Swallow, probably because the 
flowers appear about the time that Swallows arrive; or because, according to old 
authors, it was pointed out as useful for the eyes of Swallows, which are said to 
open the eyes of their young by it. 
Chelidonium majus , Celandine, or Swallow-wort.—The juice of every part of 
this plant is yellow, and very acrimonious. It is, in fact, quite dissimilar to the 
sap, properly so called, of plants in general; but being, like animal milk, com¬ 
posed of a watery fluid with oil or resin, must be considered an emulsion, which 
by evaporation deposits its gum-resin. 
Chenopodium. — From Xw, %wor, a Goose, and a foot; probably alluding 
to a fancied resemblance of the leaves of certain species to the foot of a Goose. 
Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus , Perennial Goose-foot, Good King-Henry, Wild 
Spinach.—It is very generally cultivated as Spinach about Boston, in Lincoln¬ 
shire. The young shoots, peeled and boiled, may be eaten as Asparagus, which 
they resemble in flavour. How the name once idolized in France came to be 
applied to this vegetable of mean aspect, it may not be easy to trace; but, in the 
opinion of a French writer, 44 This humble plant, wdiich grows on our plains 
without culture, will confer a more lasting duration on thennemory of Henri 
Quatre, than the statue of bronze placed on the Pont-Neuf, though fenced with 
iron, and guarded by soldiers.” 
Chenopodium album , White Goosefoot.—A black Aphis feeds upon it, and 
sometimes destroys it. The young herb is reported to be eatable when boiled, 
and is known by the name of “ Fat Hen” in some parts of Norfolk; it is also 
used as a potherb in Scotland. 
Chenopodium maritimum , Small White Glass wort, Sea Goosefoot.'—It is an 
excellent potherb, and the seeds are acceptable to small birds. The alkaline salt 
with which it abounds renders it serviceable in making glass, though inferior 
to some kinds of Salsola , found in the South of Europe. 
Chenopodium olidum , Fetid Goosefoot.—The whole plant is of a dull greyish- 
green, covered with a greasy mealiness, which, when touched, exhales a strong, 
permanent, nauseous odour, like stale salt-fish. 
Cherleria. —Named in honour of John Henry Cherler, assistant to the 
celebrated botanist, John Banhin, 16T9. 
Chlora .— From x^P 0 ^ greenish yellow ; alluding to the colour of the blossom. 
