30 A REPORT ON THE FLOWERING PLANTS
Arabis perfoliata, Lamk. (Turritis glabra, Z.) Occasionally
found at Lexden.
Cardamine amara, L. Plentifully in the meadows on the
banks of the Colne, near the Sheeppen Bridge. The only station
in my district recorded by Gibson is Copford, several miles away.
Lepidium ruderale, L. Abundant at the Hythe, Colchester,
and at St. Osyth.
L. latifolium, L. Grows luxuriantly at the Hythe, especially
since in dredging the river much mud has been thrown up on to the
banks. It also grows at Peldon.
Dianthus armeria, L. Well established at Mersea.
Saponaria officinalis, L. Still occurs at Alresford.
Silene inflata, Sm. Although stated by Gibson to be common
in all his districts, it is certainly far from common in mine.
Althaea officinalis, L. I have lately found this on the sea-
wall between Manningtree and Harwich.
Trifolium maritimum, Huds. Recorded by Gibson as
growing at Mersea, Harwich, Walton, etc.; I have also found it at
Thorington.
Lathyrus nissolia, L. Very interesting on account of its
grass-like phyllodes. I have found it abundantly at Mersea and
St. Osyth, as well at the stations mentioned by Gibson.
Eryngium maritimum, L. I am happy to say that the Sea
Holly still grows at Clacton and Mersea, and on other parts of
the coast. I am afraid it is likely to be rapidly destroyed at
Clacton, since that village has become a watering-place. When-
ever I have visited Clacton, I have seen quantities torn up and
lying about on the beach. Colchester was formerly celebrated for
candied Eryngo-root, which was in high esteem as a remedy for
coughs and colds. Morant states in his "History of Essex" (1748):—
"To the Colchester oysters let me subjoin another thing which
Colchester is celebrated for, viz., the excellent sweetmeat made of
Eryngo-roots. They were first candied in this town about the
beginning of this century by Robert Buxton, Apothecary; his appren-
tice, Samuel Great, continued this business, and it hath ever since
been carried on by the latter's posterity with universal liking and
approbation."