86. _ROCK SAMPHIRE_ (Crithmum maritimum) _is an umbelliferous plant, with fleshy, spear-shaped leaflets, and small but regular-shaped white flowers._ The cliffs of Dover have long been celebrated for the production of this vegetable, which has received an additional interest from the notice that Shakspeare has taken of the gathering of it: "Half-way down Hangs one that gathers samphire; dreadful trade!" It is also found on cliffs of other parts of the south of England, as well as in Italy, France, and Spain; and generally in inaccessible situations. In some parts of England the _leaves_ of samphire pickled in vinegar are in use for the table: they are also used in salads, and for other culinary purposes. But their place is frequently supplied by a much more common plant, which grows in salt marshes, and has the name of _marsh samphire_ (_Salicornia_). This, however, is a very inferior substitute, and entirely destitute of the fine aromatic flavour of the former species. 87. _ASAFOETIDA is a resinous gum, procured from the root of a large umbelliferous plant_ (Ferula asafoetida) _which grows in the mountains of some parts of Persia._ _The leaves of this plant are nearly two feet long, doubly winged, and have the leaflets alternate. The flowers are small, and the seeds oval, flat, and each marked with three longitudinal lines._ No one who has ever smelt the peculiarly powerful, and garlic-like odour of asafoetida, can well forget it. If exposed to the air, but particularly when heated, it will pervade every apartment of a house. Notwithstanding this, it constitutes a favourite seasoning, for food, with the inhabitants of many of the eastern countries of the world. The Banian Indians, who never eat animal food, use it in almost all their dishes; and, before their meals, they even rub their mouths with it, to stimulate their appetite. It is sometimes used by our own cooks, but in very small quantity, in place of garlic. In many parts of Arabia and Persia, asafoetida is much esteemed as a remedy for internal diseases, and even as an external application to wounds; and, with us, it is considered a powerful medicine in several disorders. It has been applied with success, in the cure of hooping-cough and worms; and in flatulent colics, it has, in many cases, afforded great relief. It is imported in masses of various sizes and form, and of yellow, brown, or bluish colour, sometimes interspersed with roundish white pieces.