TJMBELLIFER^. 143 



substance of the pericarp ; moricarps separating readily from the 

 columella when ripe. Stylopods large, conical, yellowish ; styles 

 very short and thick, sub-erect. Plant glabrous, green, very slightly 

 glaucous. 



Rock- Samp hire. 



French, Crithme MarUime, Ferceinerre. German, Meerfeuche Strandbazille. 



Dr. Prior tells us that the name of this plant is more properly, as it was formerly 

 spelt, Sampere or Sampler, from the French Saint Pierre, and Italian IJerha cli San 

 Pietro, contracted to Sampetra, from being, from its love of sea-cliffs, dedicated to the 

 fisherman saint, whose name is -n-ETpoQ (^i^etros), a I'ock ; French, pierre. Those who have 

 once seen and smelt this plant will easily recognize it again. It grows where none but 

 the adventurous can reach it — on the sides of cliffs near the sea, and exposed to the 

 dashing spray of the waves. It is found in the clefts of rocks, and fringes the edges of pre- 

 cipices with its bright-green succulent leaves and tiny yellow blossoms. The Samphire 

 is warm and aromatic in flavour, and is frequently used as a pickle. Visitors to the sea- 

 side, who wish to try this pleasant condiment, cannot do better than look for it on the 

 sides of cliffs, where it often grows within the reach of those who are able to climb 

 a few steps. Gather a basketful of its bright-green leaves, separate them from the 

 stalks and flowers, and pour boiled vinegar and spice over them in the usual way, and 

 there is a most pleasant and aromatic pickle. Samphire never grows submerged by the 

 waves, yet always on the seashore ; and this fact is mentioned by the late Pi'ofessor 

 Burnett as an illustration of the value of a little botanical knowledge even in trying 

 and unexpected circumstances. During a violent storm in November, 1821, a vessel 

 passing through the English Channel was driven ashore near Beachy Head, and the 

 whole crew were washed overboard, four only being saved from immediate death by 

 being thrown on the rocks on which the vessel struck. A lingering and terrible fate 

 seemed to await them ; for, although not under water, the waves appeared to be rapidly 

 gaining on them. The darkness of the night and the violence of the storm prevented 

 any help coming to them, and they sat awaiting the waves which roared around to 

 engulf them at last, as they had their shipmates before. In this terrible moment of 

 agony, one of the sufferex's, grasping a weed to hold himself more firmly on the rock, 

 at once recognized it as the Samphire, and, knowing that the Samphire is never sub- 

 merged by the sea, he felt assured that he could say to the waves, " Hitherto shalt 

 thou go, and no further." Trusting to the promise of this child of earth, the poor 

 fellows remained stationary till the morning. They were not deceived ; the sea having 

 reached its bounds, gradually retired ; light broke on the shipwrecked seamen, and 

 they were rescued from their perilous position, having, no doubt, a grateful remembrance 

 of the cheering and hope-giving words suggested by the root of Samphire in their dire 

 necessity. 



Samphire-gathering seems to have been a trade pursued at a remote period, and 

 has almost a classical association, since Shakespeare immortalized it in King Lear. At 

 the present time it grows but sparingly on the white cliffs of Dover ; but it may have 

 been more abundant at one period. Our poet supposes that Edgar is leading Gloucester 

 along, and says, — 



" Come on, sir ; here's the place ; stand still. How fearful 

 And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low ! 

 The crows and choughs, that wing the mid-way air, 



