PLANT-LORE OF SHAKESPEARE 
9i 
“Yet the virtues of Fennel, as thus enumerated by Long¬ 
fellow, do not comprise either of those attributes of the plant 
which illustrate the two passages from Shakespeare. The first 
alludes to it as an emblem of flattery, for which ample authority 
has been found by the commentators. 1 Florio is quoted for 
the phrase ‘ Dare finocchio,’ to give fennel , as meaning to flatter. 
In the second quotation the allusion is to the reputation of 
Fennel as an inflammatory herb with much the same virtues 
as are attributed to Eringoes.”— Mr. J. F. Marsh in The 
Garden. 
The English name was directly derived from its Latin name 
Foeniculum , which may have been given it from its hay-like 
smell ( foenum ), but this is not certain. We have another 
English word derived from the Giant Fennel of the South of 
Europe ( ferula ); this is the ferule, an instrument of punish¬ 
ment for small boys, also adopted from the Latin, the Roman 
school-master using the stalks of the Fennel for the same 
purpose as the modern school-master uses the cane. 
The early poets looked on the Fennel as an emblem of the 
early summer—- 
“Hyt befell yn the month of June 
When the Fenell hangeth yn toun.” 
Libceus Diaconus (1225). 
As a useful plant, the chief use is as a garnishing and sauce 
for fish. Large quantities of the seed are said to be imported 
to flavour gin, but this can scarcely be called useful. As 
ornamental plants, the large Fennels (F. Tingitana , F. cam- 
festris , F. g/auca, &c.) are very desirable where they can have 
the necessary room. 
1 “ Christophers . No, my good lord. 
Count. Your good lord! O, how this smells of Fennel.” 
Ben Jonson, The Case Altered, ii. 2. 
