Using Bellenden's translation of Boece, he tells us, “Attoure in all the desertis and muris of this realme growis aue herbe, namit hadder, but any seid, richt nutritive baith to beistis and fowlis; specialie to beis. This herbe, in the moneth of July, has ane floure of purpure hew, als sweit as huny. The Pichtis maid this herbe, sum time, ane richt delicus and hailsum drink. Nochtheless, the maner of the making of it is perist, be exterminioun of tlie said Pichtis out of Scotland; fur they schcw nevir the craft of the making of this drink but to thair awin blud.”