214 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES 



SORREL.— ACETOSA, or OXALIS. 



A species of the Kumex. A genus of the Hex- 



andria Trigynia class. 



The generic name is derived from acetosus, 

 eager, sour : Sorrel, so called of the Anglo- 

 Saxon J*uji, sour. 



. i 



When solar beams 



Parch thirsty human veins, the damask'd meads 

 Unforced display their thousand painted flowers, 

 Useful in potables." 



Phillips. 



Rarity being oftener coveted than excel- 

 lence, it is not surprising that we should find 

 this native vegetable discarded in an age in 

 which Novelty, principally, stimulates Art, to 

 furnish our kitchens. The caprice of fashion 

 extends even to our vegetable food ; and 

 the zeal which should animate us to improve 

 the virtues of our own plants, is often wasted 

 in obtaining those of distant countries, whose 

 qualities are uncertain ! 



