GRAVESEND. 445 



but as no cattle had been turned in to feed there, it had 

 already so advanced in growth since that time, that it 

 was now 9 in. high, with an abundance of soft and tender 

 leaves striking out from the roots and stalks which, more- 

 over, stood very thick, so that I believe that they might 

 be able to mow it again this summer. 



The 3rd August, 1748. 



Salicomia, dess nytta, Samphire its use. Salicomia 

 herbacea. Linn. Flor. Svec. I. ; Rai. Syn. 136 ; grows on 

 the low-lying banks of the Thames, which at every flood 

 tide are overflowed by the salt water of the Thames — for 

 one ought to know that the water in all this part of the 

 Thames which is at and below Gravesehd is very salt, 

 because the flood which happens twice a day (of 24 

 hours) drives the salt water up from the sea. The 

 English women pluck this herb at this season, and pickle 

 it, insylta, which is done as follows : The herb is taken 

 entire as it grows, but broken off at the roots. As much 

 of it as is required is thus gathered. It is well washed in 

 cold vinegar, one stalk and plant after another, that all 

 the dust and dirt which had clung to it might be rinsed 

 off. They do not wash it in water [T. II. p. 98] because 

 if it is afterwards laid in vinegar (as it should be) the 

 water which remains firmly lodged in the plant, dilutes 

 the vinegar, so that it becomes weaker, whence it becomes 

 clouded and full of mildew, and thus becomes altogether 

 ruined. After they have thus washed the stalks or the 

 plants clean in vinegar, and laid them on a board for the 

 vinegar to run off a little, they take a stone jar, 

 Stenburk, of the size which they have enough Samphire 

 (Saiicornia) for, lay the plants therein till it is full, pour 

 in the best and quite pure vinegar, just so much as to 

 cover the herbs in the pot. Thereupon they take some 

 mustard, rub it down to a perfectly dry powder, because 



