202 WILD FLOWEBS OF SUMMEB. 



people ; but those who know its acrid qualities doubt 

 if even hunger would render so bitter a dish palat- 

 able. 



Seldom do we now meet with the pretty purple 

 flower of the Stork's-bill (Er odium maritimim), or 

 recognize its lobed ovate leaves on the sands ; but the 

 purple Sea-Eocket (Cakile maritima) is more common. 

 Gerarde said it was a "good sallet herb," but its 

 virtues and utility are not much thought of now. Its 

 succulent, grey -green, deeply-cut leaves and spreading 

 zigzag branches, support the tall cluster of purple 

 flowers throughout the whole of the summer months. 



