THE CORIANDER. 



THE CORIANDER {Coriandrum sativum). — Hidden 



Merit. 



The name of this annual was given to it on account of 

 the odour of the leaves, which is offensive like that of 

 the insect which the Greek word designates. The dried 

 ripe seeds, however, are most agreeable in smell. They 

 are aromatic and carminative, and on that account are 

 compounded with some medicines to conceal their disagree- 

 able taste and effects. The confectioner uses them in 

 sweetmeats, and in some kinds of plum-bread. The Peru- 

 vians are fond of its flavour in most of their dishes. 



The repulsive odour of the leaves tends to hinder the 

 discovery of the great utility of the seeds ; which, when their 

 properties are known, deserve our high estimation. How 

 often do we feel repelled by the plain, repulsive, or ugly 

 countenance of persons, when we see them for the first 

 time, and are disposed to murmur to ourselves, — 



" I do not like you, Doctor Fell ! 

 The reason why I cannot tell, 

 But, I don't like you. Doctor Fell ;" 



and yet, after a time, if circumstances have led to our know- 

 ing them better, how frequently has the ugliness become less 

 repulsive, the plain face even pleasing, through the influence 

 of the hidden wealth of mind, and heart, and character, then 

 revealed, which erewhile w^as concealed from us by the 

 apparent displeasing exterior of the casket ! 



S7 



