SAMPHIRE. 381 



watered in dry weather ; as, the more rapid and vigorous 

 the growth, the more succulent and mild-flavored will be the 

 foliage. 



Use. The leaves, while young and tender, are eaten 

 as salad. 



SAMPHIRE. Thomp. Mill 



Sea-fennel. Parsley-pert. St. Peter's Herb. Crithmum 

 maritimum. 



This is a half-hardy, perennial plant, common to rocky 

 localities on the sea-coast of Great Britain. Stalk from a 

 foot to two feet in height, tender and succulent ; leaves half 

 an inch long, somewhat linear, glaucous-green, fleshy ; flowers 

 in terminal umbels, small, white, or yellowish-white ; the 

 seeds are oblong, yellowish, and, though somewhat larger, 

 resemble those of Fennel. They retain their genninative 

 power but one year. 



The plant blossoms in July and August, and the seeds 

 ripen in September and October. 



Soil and Culture. The plant requires peculiar soil, ex- 

 posure, and culture ; but, however skilfully treated, it is 

 rarely raised in that perfection which it reaches in its native 

 localities. It may be propagated by dividing the roots ; but 

 the better method is to sow the seeds in autumn as soon 

 as they ripen. 



Samphire thrives best in sandy or gravelly soil, and the 

 growing crop should be frequently and copiously watered 

 with weak solutions of soda and salt. The leaves may be 

 gathered for use in August and September. 



Use. The leaves have a warm, pleasant, aromatic 

 flavor, and, when pickled in vinegar, are used in salads 

 and as a seasoning. 



