St. Peter Port Harbour, 1852, showing the Old North Pier.
La Poumillière, or Helleborus viridis. Métivier, in his Dictionary, page 401, says of this plant that it was originally held in great veneration by the Greeks and Romans. He also says that it was used in cases of consumption in cattle by our local veterinary doctors. They pierced the dewlap or the ear of the affected animal, and inserted in the hole one of the small roots of this plant. This induced an abundant suppuration, which sometimes proved beneficial.
La Cassidone, or French lavender. Boiste, in his dictionary, says that its flowers and leaves promote salivation. There is a proverb to the effect that:
“L’hyssope tout ma’ développe
La cassidoune tout ma’ détrone.”
Le Rosmarin, or rosemary. It is considered unlucky not to have a plant of rosemary in one’s garden, but it is a plant that should never be bought, but grown for you, and presented by a friend and well-wisher.
La Petite Sauche, or small-leaved sage.