The inner thistle-form cannot be derived from the common thistle, because the surrounding leaves negative any such idea.

" Then there are the downy thistle-heads, which the rustic maiden names after her lovers, in connection with which there are many old rhymes.

Mr. Stuart says: "Thistle-root is the root of the common thistle, which is very abundant in the bottoms along nearly all the streams in the mountain.

" "for, a neglected field Shall for the fire its thorns and thistles yield.