234 AUTUMN WILD FLOWJiRS 



shore the several species of Orache (Atriplex} flourish. 

 Under the name of arrage or medlus they were known 

 to our ancestors, who hoiled the leaves for spinach. 

 The foliage is covered with a granular mealiness, and 

 their tiny blossoms are arranged in spikes, and vary in 

 colour from green to red. The seeds are enclosed in 

 two bracts, which enlarge after flowering, and are 

 frequently covered by large warts. 



On salt marshes, and occasionally on the cliffs, we 

 may find the Sea Elite or shrubby sea-side Groosefoot 

 (Sucedafruticosa) . It is somewhat rare. It has a stem 

 some eighteen inches or more long, and small semi- 

 cylindrical fleshy leaves. The greenish flowers grow 

 between the leaf and stem. Sometimes the whole 

 plant, which is soft and juicy, is tinged with red. It 

 sometimes flowers as early as July, but in cold seasons 

 it lingers on until autumn. Wherever, too, the mud 

 is impregnated with brine, the Sea-Beet (Beta vulgaris) 

 may be found. Its fleshy deep green-coloured leaves 

 are ovate in shape ; and as autumn proceeds they 

 become tinged with red. The leaves are wholesome, 

 and partake of the flavour of spinach. The flowers are 

 small and green, and grow between leaves on the 

 flower-stem. The red root is sweet, and forms u 



