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Ingenious dandelion! If you find out that its correct botanical name is Leontodon taraxacum or Leontodon dens-leonis, that will bring it into botany; and there is a place called Dandelion Castle in Kent, and a bell with the inscription John de Dandelion with his great dog Brought over this bell on a mill cog which is about as relevant as the mere words Leontodon taraxacum.
Hence the Horologe or Watch of Flora is formed from numerous plants, of which the following are those most common in this country. Leontodon taraxacum, Dandelion, opens at 5 6, closes at 8 9. Hieracium pilosella, mouse-ear hawkweed, opens at 8, closes at 2. Sonchus lævis, smooth Sow-thistle, at 5 and at 11 12. Lactuca sativa, cultivated Lettice, at 7 and jo.
On the contrary we find elementary species in different genera based on the greatest possible diversity of features. The forms of Taraxacum or Helianthemum do not repeat those of Draba or Viola. In roses and brambles the distinguishing features are characteristic of the type, as they are evidently derived from it and limited to it.
Let us begin with the sharpness of the varietal characters. In this respect varieties differ most obviously from elementary species. These are distinguished from their nearest allies in almost all organs. There is no prominent distinctive feature between the single forms of Draba Verna, Helianthemum or of Taraxacum; all characters are almost equally concerned.
It occurs in widely distant families, but has a special interest for us in two genera, which are generally known as very polymorphous groups. One of them is the hawkweed or Hieracium, and the other is the dandelion or Taraxacum officinale.
DANDELION. Leontodum Taraxacum. This is a good salad when blanched in the spring. The French, who eat more vegetables than our country people do, use this in the spring as a common dish: it is similar to endive in taste. DEWBERRY. Rubus caesius.
In Cumberland, the Primula farinosa, commonly known as bird's-eye, is called by children "bird-een." "The lockety-gowan and bonny bird-een Are the fairest flowers that ever were seen." And in many places the Leontodon taraxacum is designated "blow-ball," because children blow the ripe fruit from the receptacle to tell the time of day and for various purposes of divination.
The following is an excellent tonic: Sulphate of quinine, 1/8 to 3 grains; powdered rhubarb, 2 to 10 grains; extract of taraxacum, 3 to 20 grains; make a bolus. Thrice daily. During convalescence good food, Virol, Spratts' invalid food and invalid biscuit, moderate exercise, fresh air, and protection from cold.
You may give a bolus before dinner, such as the following: Compound rhubarb pill, 1 to 5 grains; quinine, 1/8 to 2 grains; extract of taraxacum, 2 to 10 grains. Mix. Whatever be the cause, they are very alarming. In puppies they are called Convulsions, and resemble epileptic fits. Keep the dog very quiet, but use little force, simply enough to keep him from hurting himself.
And, taking the hint as quickly as it was given, Ben presented the buttercup as if he knew all about it. "You guessed that remarkably well. Now bring me a 'leontodon taraxacum," said Thorny, charmed with the quickness of his pupil, and glad to display his learning.
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