CHAPTER XXVI. 
HORSERADISH. 
That same cowardly, giant-like ox-beef hath devoured many a gentle- 
man of your house : I promise you your kindred hath made my eyes 
water ere now. I desire your more acquaintance.” 
Midsummer Night’s Dream, III., 1. 
S ULLY BOTTOM does not so address the pungent root 
that forms the subject of this chapter, but a very 
near relation thereof. However, the phrases fit the 
case so well that there should be no apology needed for the 
present borrowing of honours intended for Master Mustard 
Seed. It does not appear that Shakspeare brought the real 
flavour of horseradish into any of his quips, or images, or 
allusions, although indeed, the ineffable Jack Falstaff likens 
Justice Shallow to “a forked radish, with a head fantastically 
carved upon it with a knife,” and there could be no radish so 
suitable for a grim presentment of “ a man made after supper 
of a cheese paring,” “ the very genius of famine,” and known 
to the ungodly as a “ mandrake.” Let it pass, though like 
ginger, it be “ hot i’ the mouth.” 
The Horseradish, Cochlearia Armoracea, is usually classed 
with the salads, and it may also be classed with the tap roots. 
But it is so distinct in habit and uses, that we prefer not to 
class it at all — it is sufficiently important to have a chapter 
to itself. It is a well-doing hardy plant that will pay its rent 
and something over on any good soil without any cultivation 
whatever. It loves a deep strong loam and to be near water, 
and when once it has got firm hold of a piece of ground, it 
is as difficult a task to get rid of it as to draw a young lion’s 
teeth. Nevertheless this thrifty earth-biter answers promptly 
and generously to good cultivation, and wherever there is a 
convenient market it is one of the most profitable roots that 
can be grown. 
As it requires two years to grow handsome roots of horse- 
radish, and as when once planted it is likely to remain as a 
i 
