In the south of Scotland, the name "doudle," says Jamieson, is applied to the root of the common reed-grass (_Phragmites communis_), which is found, partially decayed, in morasses, and of "which the children in the south of Scotland make a sort of musical instrument, similar to the oaten pipes of the ancients." In Yorkshire, the water-scrophularia (_Scrophularia aquatica_), is in children's language known as "fiddle-wood," so called because the stems are by children stripped of their leaves, and scraped across each other fiddler-fashion, when they produce a squeaking sound. This juvenile music is the source of infinite amusement among children, and is carried on by them with much enthusiasm in their games. Likewise, the spear-thistle (_Carduus lanceolatus_) is designated Marian in Scotland, while children blow the pappus from the receptacle, saying:--
"Marian, Marian, what's the time of day, One o'clock, two o'clock--it's time we were away."
In Cheshire, when children first see the heads of the ribwort plantain (_Plantago lanceolata_) in spring, they repeat the following rhyme:--
"Chimney sweeper all in black, Go to the brook and wash your back, Wash it clean, or wash it none; Chimney sweeper, have you done?":--
Being in all probability a mode of divination for insuring good luck. Another name for the same plant is "cocks," from children fighting the flower-stems one against another.
The common hazel-nut (_Corylus avellana_) is frequently nicknamed the "cob-nut," and was so called from being used in an old game played by children. An old name for the devil's-bit (_Scabiosa succisa_), in the northern counties, and in Scotland, is "curl-doddy," from the resemblance of the head of flowers to the curly pate of a boy, this nickname being often used by children who thus address the plant:--
"Curly-doddy, do my biddin', Soop my house, and shoal my widden'."
In Ireland, children twist the stalk, and as it slowly untwists in the hand, thus address it:--
"Curl-doddy on the midden, Turn round an' take my biddin'."
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."