338 



to the name of the berry, or to the plant. Sir 

 Joseph adds, although the custom of putting 

 straw round the plants is now very little 

 attended to, it's utility is very evident, as in 

 dry parching weather it would be the means 

 of keeping the plants moist, and, in wet 

 showery weather, it would both keep the fruit 

 clean, and prevent its rotting so rapidly. 



As a dietetic fruit, the strawberry affords 

 but little nourishment ; the moderate or even 

 plentiful use of it is salubrious, and recom- 

 mended to those of inflammatory or bilious 

 habits. Boerhaave considers the continued 

 use of this fruit, as one of the principal re- 

 medies in cases of obstruction and viscidity, 

 and in putrid disorders. Hoffman furnishes 

 instances of some obstinate diseases being 

 cured by strawberries, and other mild sweet 

 subacid fruits. Strawberries should be taken 

 sparingly by those of a cold inactive dis- 

 position, where the vessels are lax, the circu- 

 lation languid, or digestion weak. 



This fruit is generally sent to dessert in 

 its natural state, although often with cream 

 and sugar: but it is more esteemed when 

 Burgundy or claret wine is substituted for the 

 cream. Strawberry jam is much admired; 

 and for ice creams the flavour is generally 

 preferred to that of raspberries. 



