Libæus Diaconus.(1225).

As a useful plant, the chief use is as a garnishing and sauce for fish. Large quantities of the seed are said to be imported to flavour gin, but this can scarcely be called useful. As ornamental plants, the large Fennels (F. Tingitana, F. campestris, F. glauca, &c.) are very desirable where they can have the necessary room.

FOOTNOTES:

[89:1] "Fennelle or Fenkelle, feniculum maratrum."—Catholicon Anglicum.

[89:2]

"Christophers.No, my good lord.
Count.Your good lord! O, how this smells of Fennel."
Ben Jonson, The Case Altered, act ii, sc. 2.

FERN.

Gadshill.We have the receipt of Fern-seed—we walk invisible.
Chamberlain.Now, by my faith, I think you are more beholdingto the night than to Fern-seed for your walking invisible.
1st Henry IV, act ii, sc. 1 (95).