SAMPHIEE. 135 



was enough. Infinite Wisdom had ' cast the lot ' for the 

 Crithmum. It was the symbol of safety, and assurance was 

 restored. Thus was the Rock Samphire, like the Olive branch 

 to the Patriarch, fraught with the message of Providence." 



On the south-east coast of England the Samphire-gatherer 

 pursued a most dangerous work. Growing in crevices of the 

 precipitous cliffs, only the practised eye and the daring foot 

 could reach the plant. This was often done by letting down a 

 man by means of a rope. Dr. Hamilton tells a touching inci- 

 dent of this plan of Samphire-gathering, Two men had 

 lowered their companion from the top of the cliff by a rope tied 

 round his waist. The desired plants had made their abode in a 

 hollow of the rock, overhung by the precipice from which 

 the rope was suspended. By means of a pole in his hand the 

 man steered himself into the hollow, and gained a footing ; but 

 in the meantime the rope had grated against the edge of the 

 cliff, and was worn through. Fearful was his situation, a fresh 

 rope was lowered and swung to and fro, but it was some feet 

 from him, held distant by the overhanging cliff; but how to 

 reach it ! Beneath him yawned a precipice of such dizzy 

 height that he knew a false effort would be certain death. Yet 

 to remain was equally certain death. Each vibration of the 

 rope, as it swayed to and fro, brought it less near to him. The 

 effort must be at once, or it would be hopeless. He made one 

 desperate spring and succeeded ; the rope was in his hands, 

 he clung for dear life, and his companions drew him to the 

 summit. Dr. Hamilton compared that rope to Christ, and 

 that urgent necessity to the need of the unpardoned. 



The romance of Samphire-gathering is well known ; we all 

 feel a thrill when it is spoken of. Shakespeare has immor- 

 talised the calling : 



" How fearful 



And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low ! 

 The crows and choughs, that wing the midway air, 

 Show scarce so gross as beetles ; half-way down 

 Hangs one that gathers Samphire dreadful trade ! 

 Methinks he seems no bigger than his head." 



