GROWING IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF COLCHESTER. 27
where the sea actually touches, A tale is told of some sailors
from a ship wrecked off Beachy Head clambering up the rocks,
fearful lest the waves should come and destroy their last chance for
life, when one of them, recognising by its scent the plant he was
clutching as Samphire, and knowing that it only grew beyond the
reach of the tide, at once shouted to his mates the welcome news
that they were beyond the reach of danger.
I should imagine that the patch of Samphire found by Mr. Harwood
was of recent introduction, for not only has it never been recorded on
our coast before, but the Essex shore is a most unsuitable spot for its
growth. On our flat coasts there can be few points which are not
some time or the other submerged by exceptionally high tides, in
which event the plant would be destroyed.
This raises the question, how can it have been introduced ? It
grows in too out-of-the-way a place to give rise to the suspicions that
it was introduced by man; and the plant is so readily destroyed
by sea water, that it is unlikely to have been washed up by the sea.
Though the vitality of the seed might have survived the journey,
yet the spot where it would be deposited by the waves must have
been unsuitable for the growth of the plant, unless, indeed, the seeds
were blown further inland. I am disposed to think that birds were
the agents of the introduction of the plant into Essex.
Petrosalinum sativum, Hoff. Has been found at Dovercourt
by the Rev. J. D. Gray.
Pencedanum palustre, Moench. This plant has been found
between Walton and Harwich by Dr. W. M. Hind.
Petasites vulgaris, Desf. There is a large patch of this plant
on the Stour, a little higher up than Dedham.
Erigeron acris, L, Appears to be well established at Marks
Tey.
Erigeron canadensis, L. I find this often in waste places
near Colchester.
Senecio viscosus, L. I also frequently find this near the
town.
Hypochaeris glabra, L., and var. balbisii, Lois. These two
forms were found growing in abundance in a field at Berechurch,
by the Rev. E. F. Linton.
Chlora perfoliata, L. The yellow-wort occurs at Marks Tey.
C 2