THE CLIFFS 1ND SEA-SHORE. 235 



popular confection when candied with sugar, and it 

 also forms a good pickle. 



In August, too, on sandy shores, we shall find the 

 succulent Sea-Purslane (HonTcenya peploides} , with its 

 white flowers, and thick glossy egg-shaped leaves, 

 which start from the creeping rhizome. The leaves 

 grow on the stems in four cross-shaped distinct rows. 

 This distinguishes it from all other sea-side plants. 

 It grows in clumps, and is not uncommon. 



The Sea-Holly or Eryngo (Eryngium maritimum) 

 cannot be mistaken. Its rigid stem, prickly foliage, 

 variegated with white veins, its umbels of chaffy heads 

 of blue flowers, all mark the plant. Its roots have 

 been candied for their tonic properties, and the young 

 shoots of the plant are boiled as vegetables. The 

 flower-heads, and those of the Sea-Lavender, form a 

 pleasant remembrance of the sea-side sojourn, as they 

 keep their form and no little of their colour for months. 



The Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) grows wild 

 on several parts of the shore of the United Kingdom. 

 Its virtues as a diuretic arc well known. 



As the season passes onwards, and the glorious 

 golden sunrises mark the shortening days, we shall 

 find the Michaelmas Daisy, or Blue Camomile, as it i 



