CHENOPODE^. 99 



with a reddish stem a foot high, much branched, spreading, and 

 lower leaves cuneate-oval, obtuse. 



Blitum. L. 1. 2. 

 B. capitatum. L. Strawberry Elite. This is a singular 

 plant in its mode of bearing seed ; the flower-cup thickens and 

 reddens, and surrounds the black seed, which finally falls out ; 

 the fruit resembles the strawberry in general appearance. Its 

 name imphes the insipidity of the fruit, and the arrangement of 

 the flowers. It is found in the waste places about yards. 



Salsola. L. 5. 2. Saltwort. 

 The botanical and English names explain themselves. Near 

 40 species have been described, most of which belong to the sea- 

 coast of southern Europe. The plants of this genus are the chief 

 source of soda ; the ashes being employed, as are the ashes of 

 land plants to obtain potash, in the production of soda. 



S. kali. L. A rough, prickly plant, growing along the sea- 

 shore, of which S. Caroliniana, Mx., is probably only a variety 

 growing in similar situations. 



S. salsa. Mx. Smooth Saltwort. Destitute of prickles, 

 with fleshy leaves ; in salt marshes. Mr. Nuttall considers this 

 the Chenopodium maritimmn of Pursh. The only 2 species 

 found in this country are indigenous also to Europe, and both are 

 employed in obtaining the kelp, and thence the soda, of commerce. 



The extensive use of soda in the manufacture of hard soap and 

 glass, as well as in bleaching and in medicine, shows the great 

 importance of these vegetables. 



Salicornia. L. 1. 1. 



From words meaning salt horn, and often called Saltwort. Of 

 10 or more species, mostly in the South of Europe, only 3 are 

 found along our coast. Sometimes called glasswort, from its use 

 in the manufacture of glass. 



S. herbacea. L. Common or Marsh Samphire. Grows in 



