Chap. 155. Of Corn-Sallet, or Lambs-Lettice.

This chapter hasn't been proofread yet.

00257Page 257

I. The Names. It may be called in Greek, ί ΛιυκολΑ&νη : In Latin, Laftuca Agnina, and Olus Album. Dodonai : In English, Corn-Sallet, or Lambs-Lettice.

II. The Kinds. It is not a Kin to, the Lett ice, though called by that name, which I suppose was, because it is eaten for a Sallet, as the Lett ice is. And is a singular Plant by it self

III. The Description. It has a Root consisting of many small and long Fibres _·, from whence fprmg up many slender, round, weak Stalks, trailing, as it were, upon the ground, about a foot high, if iteiows in good anlfertil ground ; otherwise but a hand or

00258Page 258

two high with several joints, and two Leaves flan d-ing at each Joint, narrow and long. Likewise from the same Root, at its first coming forth out of the ground, many Leaves, long, narrow, and round pointed, of a whit iff) green color, spring forth, which grow close upon the ground, which live all the Winter, and from among which, in the beginning of the Spring, ( ij it is sown in Autumn, as is usual, when it is to serve for an early Sallet ) several small, round Stalks rise up, branching forth at the top, and bearing Tufts of small black blew flowers, ( but Dodo-RXUS say, they are very small white flowers, closely compatl together : ) These Tufts of white flowers are broad, but the flowers themselves are very small, so that they can scarcely be known to be flowers, saving that they grow many together, like a Tuft or Vmble.

IV. V)e Places. This Herb grows Wild in Corn-Fields: (whence the Name ) but since it has grown into use amongst us for Salletting, it is also- sown in Gardens for a Sallet Herb. , V. The Times. It is found Green all Winter and Summer : and runs up to Flower and Seed in March, April, and May.

VI. The Qualities. It is Temperate in respect of heat or cold; and moilt in the first Degree. It is Emollient, Hepatick, Alterative, and GalacFoge-netick.

VII. As to the Specification, Preparations, Virtues and Uses of this Herb, Authors have been silent. It is doubtless an innocent Plant, and pleasant to be eaten : for which reason it is used as a Winter Sallet, at least wise very early in the Spring ; for which purpose it is dress'd up to the Table as Garden Lettices are, with Salt, Vinegar, and Oil, and sometimes with Sugar also, as the Eater belt likes.

Botanologia, or The English Herbal, was written by William Salmon, M.D., in 1710.