On the Cultivation of Samphire. 233 



five feet below the surface, which I considered essential to 

 the well-doing of the plant. It has continued to flourish 

 with me for some years, and has never failed to produce 

 for the use of my family an ample supply of young shoots, 

 which are cut twice in a season. The only culture which it 

 requires, is the protection of a little long litter lightly thrown 

 over it in the winter ; and in the spring, when that covering 

 is removed, I give the surrounding soil a sprinkling of 

 powdered barilla : this I do to furnish the plant with a sup- 

 ply of soda, since in its native place of growth it possesses 

 the power of decomposing sea-water, from which it takes the 

 fossil alkali and rejects the muriatic acid. 



Any of the Bridport captains, whose vessels come to 

 Downs' wharf, near Hermitage bridge, will bring the plant 

 and its native soil from the island of Portland to London, 

 for a moderate charge ; the best time to procure it being 

 between the first of February and the end of March. 



I am, Dear Sir, 

 Your most obedient Servant, 



John Braddick. 



Thames Ditfon, 

 August 4, 1816. 



