_Mistletoe_ (Vol. iii., pp. 192. 396.).--In addition to the trees, on which
the mistletoe grows, mentioned by "the late learned Mr. Ray" in the
quotation cited by Dr. Wilbraham Falconer, I subjoin others named in
Jesse's _Country Life_, some of which I have had opportunities of verifying
viz., horse-chestnut; maple (_Acer opalus_, _A. rubrum_, _A. campestre_);
poplar (_Populus alba_, _P. nigra_, _P. fastigiata_); acacia, laburnum,
pear; large-leaved sallow (_Salix caprea_); locust tree (_Robinia
pseudo-acacia_); larch, Scotch fir, spruce fir; service tree (_Pyrus
domestica_); hornbeam {270} (_Carpinus ostrya_); _Loranthus Europæus_
(itself a parasite); olive, vine, walnut, plum, common laurel, medlar, grey
poplar. The localities and authorities are stated.
In answer to your correspondent ACHE, I may add, that the opinion of recent
botanists is contrary to Sir Thomas Browne's notion with reference to the
propagation of the seed; for it is known that the seeds, in germinating,
send their radicles into the plant to which they are attached; and grow
afterwards as true parasites, selecting certain chemical ingredients in
preference to others. The mistletoe has never been known to grow in
Ireland; but its frequency in various parts of the world--in France, Italy,
Greece, and parts of Asia--has been remarked by travellers. Its use seems
to be to provide food for birds during those rare seasons of scarcity, when
a very sparing supply of other fruits and seeds can be procured.