EmailThe sender of some flowers of the henbane, gathered at Rhos-on-Sea, comments upon the fact that the plant grows in profusion near the sites of old monastic houses in that neighbourhood, where along with other medicinal plants, it was formerly cultivated by the monks. I noticed it myself not long ago near the ruins of Penmon Priory. It might be added that it is found in and about the ruins of castles, where its narcotic properties may have been used for other than medicinal purposes. In some localities the interesting but evil-smelling henbane may be truly native; it has, for instance, been known for very many years along the Cheshire shore; but there is no doubt that in many places it is a relic of former cultivation. Some botanists sneer at those who constantly report the appearance of alien plants on sandhills, rubbish heaps, or in spots where they have strayed from gardens. But our permanent flora now includes an immense number of plants which at first found their way here by more or less artificial means; the study of geographical distribution would be much simpler if we knew the historical origin of all our plants. If the alien plant vanishes for ever after its first appearance the record has little value, but if, as frequently happens, it establishes itself, the knowledge of where it first appeared and whence it came is of great importance.
