BALLOTA, WHITE HOREHOUND; a genus of the gymnospermiæ order, belonging to the didynamia class of plants. It is a common weed growing on the sides of banks in most parts of England, as also in walk-places near towns and villages in Scotland; so is seldom admitted into gardens. The flowers grow in whorls, upon branched peduncles, and lean on one side of the stalk; they are commonly of a dull red colour, but sometimes white. It was formerly used in hysterical cases, but is now fallen into disuse. The Swedes reckon it almost an universal remedy in the diseases of their
Ballotade their cattle. Horses, cows, sheep, and goats, refuse to eat it.
Balsam. BALLOTADE, in the menage, the leap of a horse between two pillars, or upon a straight line, made with justness of time, with the aid of the hand, and the calves of the legs; and in such a manner, that when his fore-feet are in the air, he shews nothing but the shoes of his hinder-feet without jerking out.