The Wych Elm is probably a true native, but the more common Elm of our hedgerows is a tree of Southern Europe and North Africa, and is of such modern introduction into England that in Evelyn's time it was rarely seen north of Stamford. It was probably introduced into Southern England by the Romans. FOOTNOTES: [87:1] Why Falstaff should be called a dead Elm is not very apparent; but the Elm was associated with death as producing the wood for coffins. Thus Chaucer speaks of it as "the piler Elme, the cofre unto careyne," _i.e._, carrion ("Parliament of Fowles," 177). ERINGOES. _Falstaff._ Let the sky rain Potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of Green Sleeves, hail kissing-comfits, and snow Eringoes. _Merry Wives_, act v, sc. 5 (20). Gerard tells us that Eringoes are the candied roots of the Sea Holly (_Eryngium maritimum_), and he gives the recipe for candying them. I am not aware that the Sea Holly is ever now so used, but it is a very handsome plant as it is seen growing on the sea shore, and its fine foliage makes it an ornamental plant for a garden. But as used by Falstaff I am inclined to think that the vegetable he wished for was the Globe Artichoke, which is a near ally of the Eryngium, was a favourite diet in Shakespeare's time, and was reputed to have certain special virtues which are not attributed to the Sea Holly, but which would more accord with Falstaff's character.[88:1] I cannot, however, anywhere find that the Artichoke was called Eringoes. FOOTNOTES: [88:1] For these supposed virtues of the Artichoke see Bullein's "Book of Simples." FENNEL. (1) _Ophelia._ There's Fennel for you and Columbines. _Hamlet_, act iv, sc 5 (189). (2) _Falstaff._ And a' plays at quoits well, and eats conger and Fennel. _2nd Henry IV_, act ii, sc. 4 (266). The Fennel was always a plant of high reputation. The Plain of Marathon was so named from the abundance of Fennel (μαραθρον) growing on it.[89:1] And like all strongly scented plants, it was supposed by the medical writers to abound in "virtues." Gower, describing the star Pleiades, says-- "Eke his herbe in speciall The vertuous Fenel it is." _Conf. Aman._, lib. sept. (3, 129. Paulli.) These virtues cannot be told more pleasantly than by Longfellow-- "Above the lowly plants it towers, The Fennel with its yellow flowers, And in an earlier age than ours Was gifted with the wondrous powers-- Lost vision to restore. It gave men strength and fearless mood, And gladiators fierce and rude Mingled it with their daily food: And he who battled and subdued A wreath of Fennel wore."