E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Daisy-roots,
like dwarf-elder berries, are said to stunt the growth; hence the fairy Milkah fed her royal foster-child on this food, that his standard might not exceed that of a pigmy. This superstition arose from the notion that everything had the property of bestowing its own speciality on others. (See FERN SEED.)
