THE PRINCIPLES OF BOTANY. 
239 
In order to the due understanding of this we give a draw¬ 
ing of the leaf of the plants as it is of a very peculiar form. 
Leaves of Cotyledon Umbilicus , showing the central depression. 
Now, here it will he seen that the form of the leaf is what 
botanists term peltate, and on its upper surface is a depres¬ 
sion somewhat in shape like that of the navel-pit. Here, 
then, is the signature which pointed it out as a remedy for 
weakness of the so-called stomach. Is there any external 
ailment in the umbilical region, the good wife anoints the 
place with the juicy leaves of the navelwort, and if the com¬ 
plaint be internal, a “ tay” or infusion of the “ stamped” or 
crushed leaves is to be taken as a never-failing remedy. 
We recollect when once botanising in Wiltshire we stopped 
at an old wall opposite some cottages, and soon became busy 
in selecting a fine example of the navelwort, when no less 
than three old women came out to watch our proceeding, 
and to beg that we would not destroy it, giving us at the 
same time, at our request, an account of its various uses and 
supposed virtues. 
Mrs. Lankester tells us that—“ This curious little plant is 
applied by the peasantry in Wales to the eyes as a remedy 
in some diseases, and by the herb doctors in the west of 
