UMBELLIFER^. 179 



leaflets ; middle and upper stem-leaves ternately bipiuuate, with the 

 leaflets wedge-sliaped at the base, rounded at the apex, and divided 

 into numerous strapshaped blunt apiculate sej^ments ; segments 

 of the uppermost leaves linear and more divided. Umbels shortly 

 stalked, of 5 to 10 rays, -J to 1 inch long- ; pedicels longer tlian the 

 cremocarp. Involucel dimidiate, of 3 to 5 short linear-acute leaves. 

 Plowers J inch across, conspicuously radiant, white often tinged with 

 purplish-pink. Calyx-teeth triangular-subulate, reHexed. Cremo- 

 carp ^ to ^ inch long, light-brown, globular, falling off without sepa- 

 rating into mericarps when mature. Stylopods ehmgate-conical ; 

 styles longer than the stylopods, divaricate. Plant bright-green, 

 shining, glabrous, intensely foetid. 



Common Coriander. 



French, Coriandre Cultive. German, Gehauter Koriander. 



The fruit of the Coriander is the only part of the plant that seems to have any 

 medical or dietetical reputation. As an aromatic stimulant it has been used from very 

 ancient times. It was employed by Hippocrates and other Greek physicians, and 

 allusion is made to it in the book of Exodus, where Moses compares the manna 

 supplied to the Israelites to "a Coriander seed." When dried, the disagreeable scent 

 and taste of the seed disappear, and it becomes a somewhat pleasant addition to 

 confectionery. In the northern countries of Europe the seeds are sometimes mixed 

 with bread, but the chief consumption of Coriander seed in this country is in flavouring 

 certain alcoholic liquors, for which purpose it is largely grown in Essex. In medicine 

 it is now little used, excepting to disguise other flavours. It is an ingredient in the 

 confection of senna, and enters into the composition of curry-powder. The inhabitants 

 of Peru are so fond of the taste and smell of this herb, that they put it into almost all 

 their dishes in such quantities as to render the odour insui)portable, and the taste as 

 objectionable to any but a native. 



EXCLUDED SPECIES. 



TRINIA KITAIBELXI. Bleb. 



The late Mr. J. "Woods believed he had a specimen of 

 this species from TJphiU, Somerset ; but probably he mistook 

 T. vulgaris for it. 



AMMI MAJUS. Linn. 



Gathered by Dr. St. Brody on the banks of the Severn, near 

 Gloucester. 



TORDYLIUM OFFICINALE. Linn. 

 E. B. 2440. 

 Supposed to have been found near London by Mr. Doody ; 

 but Doody's plant was T. maximum. 



