154 COMMON SORREL. 



red dye. All our domestic animals are fond 

 of this and the other species of sorrel. 



A smaller species, called Sheep's Sorrel 

 {Bumex acetosella), is very frequent in dry 

 pastures, and, wherever it abounds, may be 

 regarded as a certain indication of barren 

 land. Haller observes that it is often found 

 growing in coal-yards ; and it flourishes 

 wherever iron prevails in the soil. It is very 

 variable in size, growing to the height of from 

 five to ten inches, and becoming, at the end 

 of summer, of a rich red colour. Besides its 

 smaller size, it is distinguishable from the 

 common species by the form of its leaves ; for 

 though the shape of those on the stem varies 

 very much, yet the root-leaves taper towards the 

 end, and are at the base arrow-shaped. 



These Sorrels are both included in the Dock 

 genus, and their flowers are very similar to the 

 blossoms of those plants, but the leaves of the 

 Docks are not acid. 



