§ 96. Of reptiles, and serpents, the environs of Lewes contain but a very inconsiderable number; and among these, there is but one poisonous species, viz. the viper, or adder. § 97. The fishes caught in the neighbouring ocean are very numerous, consisting of almost every species that inhabits the British seas. We cannot, however, attempt to enumerate them, but shall confine our remarks to the freshwater species that frequent the river, streams, and pools in the vicinity of Lewes. § 98. The late Mr. Woolgar's catalogue of the plants, shrubs, and trees, indigenous to the environs of Lewes, comprises upwards of five hundred varieties; and to this list considerable additions might be made; but our limits will only admit of a slight notice of the more rare and interesting species. The beautiful berries of this elegant shrub are very acrid, and occasion excessive vomiting. It Occurs in hedges near Ringmer, Barcombe, and Glynd-bourne. Heracleum sphondylium { Cow parnep, prov. Hog-Common in hedges, the dry stems are called Keres. Tormentilla erecta Anemone nemorosa cynanchia Cineraria integrifolia Lysimachia vulgaris Nymphea lutea alba Taxus-baccata Viscum album Upright Tormentil Wood Anemone Chailey common; the roots are strongly astringent, and are used in medicine. Woods and Hedges in Chailey and Barcombe. Broad-leaved WaterParsnep In ditches; poisonous to cattle. Woodroof, anciently Wooderow.ffe Squinancy Root Mountain Fleawort Yellow Loosestrife Yellow Water-lily White Water-lily The Yew Tree Misseltoe On the downs near the Spittle and Mount Caburn. Banks of the river near Old Malling. In the river and ditches. In the river and ditches: the flower of this magnificent aquatic plant expands at seven in the morning, closes in the afternoon, and then lies down on the surface of the water'. In most of our country church-yards: at Ringmer, Glynd, Barcombe, &c. The leaves and twigs are certain death to horses and cows, even in small quantities. On trees in the Broyle; this plant is parasitical: when growing on the oak the Druids considered it holy, and used it in their religious ceremonies. 2 For an interesting account of the Yew Tree, and the probable origin of its being planted in Church-yards; vide White's Nat. Hist. of Selbourne, p. 230. Linnean Names. - Antirrhinum majus Solanum dulcamura Cornus sanguinea Trivial Names. Snap Dragon Woody Nightshade Dog-berry Tree prov. Enchanter's Nightshade Habitats, Observations, &c. The white and purple varieties of this pretty flower In hedges frequent: it has no dangerous qualities. In woods and hedges. In moist hedges about Plumpton. Mill fields on Cliff Hill, Chailey common, Priory; all the plant is poisonous. St. John's Church-yard banks. It was formerly used in witchcraft. On the slope of the Downs towards Ringmer and Glynd. A syrup made of the berries is laxative. Cuckoopint. Wake Robin Very common; the berries and roots very acri Circea lutetiana Rhamnus catharticus Buckthorn Arum maculatum Digitalis purpurea Ophrys spiralis monorchis muscifera Purple Foxglove Adonis autumnalis Atropa belladonna Butterfly Orchis Pheasant's Eye Fetid Flag Deadly Nightshade Anchusa sempervirens Evergreen Alkanet Near the Mill field on Cliff hill. On the Downs, west of Glynd-bourne-very rare. The same locality as the last. Mr. W. mentions that it was formerly abundant in Mr. Durrant's plantations near Southover. On the Downs near Glynd Place; slope of the In a wood behind Aldridge's Nursery, near On the Downs near Mount Caburn: very rare. In ditches frequent. On the Downs near Ashcombe. S In a hedge on the side of the road leading from Under the Castle Wall, but almost destroyed by S Wild service tree, prov. In woods and hedges in the Broyle, Chailey, &c. The roots of this plant are scratched out of the ground in severe snowy weather, and eaten by the Thrushes. Linnean Names. Saponaria officinalis Rosa spinosissima Conium maculatum Juniperus communis Sorbus aucuparia Carpinus betulus Trivial Names. Common Soapwort Common Hemlock. Juniper Horn-beam tree Rein-deer Moss Habitats, Observations, &c. {In the shaw on the road side, between Court { At Haredean. In hedges, in great profusion and luxuriance on the bank beyond Ranscombe; very poisonous. Near Mount Čaburn. Mountain Ash, prov. In the Lye woods, Chailey Common. Antirrhinum cymbalaria Ivy-leaved Snap-dragon Frittellaria meleagris Dragon's Head 2 When any poisonous vegetable has been swallowed, the following means should be instantly employed: vomiting must be excited by giving from three to five grains of tarter emetic (Antim. Tartar.) or from ten to twenty grains of white vitriol | (Sulph. Zinci.) and the dose must be repeated if necessary. Large draughts of warm water should be taken, and the throat In woods and hedges. Rocks at Uckfield. Rocks at Uckfield. Shaw near Ringmer Green. tickled with a feather, till the contents of the stomach are thrown up. Purgatives must next be administered, after which some strong infusion of Coffee should be drank frequently whilst hot. The same treatment is applicable when poisonous mushrooms have been taken. |