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Samphire

The samphire (Crithmum Maritimum) has a poetical interest, and is one of the plants of Shakespeare. The "dangerous trade" of the samphire-gatherer arises from its growing on the sides of steep cliffs; and one of the most ornamental features of the white cliffs of Albion is the dark green patches which this plant produces where it grows. It is gathered for the sake of the pleasant oil which is diffused throughout the plant, and which renders it an agreeable addition to our food, especially when it is used in the form of pickle. Samphire is generally gathered where it grows wild, but is sometimes very successfully cultivated in beds of sand, rich earth, and rubbish, occasionally sprinkled with a little salt. Samphire is about as wholesome as pickles.