HORSE RADISH. 121 



land, growing by the sides of ditches and in marshy 

 places. It was long cultivated in our gardens, 

 but does not seem to have found its way into 

 general use or to the table, till the latter part of 

 the reign of Elizabeth ; before that time it was 

 chiefly planted for its efficacy in medicine, of which 

 our old herbalist, and many other writers, give 

 ample commendation. 



The medicinal effects of horse radish are to 

 stimulate the solids to activity, and, on account of 

 its warm nature, it is good in nervous cases arising 

 from cold and viscid juices. The root, when 

 scraped fresh, creates and assists digestion; it is 

 therefore properly employed as a condiment either 

 with fish or flesh. It has been found useful in hard 

 dry cough, and, from its penetrating qualities, is 

 highly serviceable in rheumatic cases and on the 

 early appearance of the scurvy. 



Culture. It is rather singular that, from the 

 wholesome qualities and easy culture of this root, 

 it is not in more general estimation. Two causes 

 may be assigned for this neglect ; the first, from its 

 value not being known in a medicinal point of view ; 

 and the second, from the disagreeable appearance of 

 the old tough roots of many years'growth exhibited 

 for sale in the country markets ; whereas, to have 

 it in perfection, it ought not to exceed two, or at 

 least three years, from the time the sets were first 

 planted. 



Horse radish grows best in a deep rich soil of 

 rather a moist nature, as, for instance, along the 

 Thames, near, London ; where many acres may be 

 seen covered with this plant. 



