VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



Britain. On the Continent it is held in greater 

 esteem, and is used as an edible vegetable in a variety 

 of ways. 



Both in France and England succory has occa- 

 sionally been cultivated as food for cattle ; it is in a 

 proper state for this purpose just as it is coming into 

 flower. 



The root of this plant is used as n substitute for 

 coffee ; and it is sometimes considered superior to 

 the exotic berry. Dr Howison* is of this opinion; 

 while Dr Duncant believes that the plant might be 

 cultivated for this purpose with great national advan- 

 tages. In many parts of Holland and Germany 

 this prepared root is used in large quantities, either 

 alone or mixed with coffee by those who cannot 

 afford to indulge in the latter luxury in its genuine 

 state. Indeed, it has been very recently introduced 

 into this country as an addition which much im- 

 proves the flavour of coffee ; but where economy is 

 not the consideration, it is not likely to gain much 

 esteem. The succory root, when applied to this 

 purpose, is merely cut in pieces, and sufficiently dried 

 to admit of its being easily ground. 



CRESS is the general name of a number of plants, 

 mostly, if not all, bearing cruciform flowers, and pos- 

 sessing, in common with plants of the same family, 

 pungent and aromatic qualities. 



GARDEN CRESS Lepidium sativum is a hardy 

 annual, not found wild in England. Its native 

 country is Persia, and also Cyprus. It has been cul- 

 tivated here since the middle of the sixteenth century. 

 This plant produces a number of small leaves, which 

 are curled in some of the varieties, and plain in 

 others. The flowering stem is branched and rises to 



* Caled. Hort. Mem. iv, 132. 



t Disc, to Cnled. Hort. Soc. 1820, 



