In the islands of Tiras and Col they are much esteemed, as answering in some measure the purposes of bread, they having been known to support the inhabitants for months together during a scarcity of other provisions. They put a yoke on their ploughs, and often tear up their pasture-grounds with a view to get the roots for their use; and as they abound most in barren and impoverished soils, and in seasons when other crops fail, they afford a most seasonable relief to the inhabitants in times of the greatest scarcity. A singular instance this of the bounty of Providence to these islands.—Lightfoot's Fl. Scot.
530. SOLOMON'S-SEAL. Convallaria Polygonatum.—The roots are made into bread, and the young shoots are eaten boiled.
531. SPATLING-POPPY. Cucubalus Behen.—Our kitchen-gardens scarcely afford a better-flavoured vegetable than the young tender shoots of this when boiled. They ought to be gathered when they are not above two inches long. If the plant was in cultivation, no doubt but what it would be improved, and would well reward the gardener's trouble: it sends forth a vast quantity of sprouts, which might be nipped off when of a proper size; and there would be a succession of fresh ones for at least two months.
It being a perennial too, the roots might be transplanted into beds like those of asparagus.—Bryant's Fl. Diaetetica, p. 64.
532. SPEEDWELL. Veronica spicata.—This is used by our common people as a substitute for tea, and is said to possess a somewhat astringent taste, like green tea.
533. SPOTTED HAWKWEED. Hypochaeris maculata.—The leaves are eaten as salad, and are also boiled.
534. STINGING-NETTLE. Urtica dioica.—The young shoots in the spring are eaten boiled with fat meat, and are esteemed both wholesome and nutritive.
535. SHRUBBY STRAWBERRY. Rubus arcticus.—The fruit of this plant is very similar in appearance to a strawberry: its odour is of the most grateful kind; and its flavour has that delicate mixture of acid and sweet, which is not to be equalled by our best varieties of that fruit.
536. SWEET CICELY. Scandix odorata.—The leaves used to be employed in the kitchen as those of cervil. The green seeds ground small, and used with lettuce or other cold salads, give them an agreeable taste. It also grows in abundance in some parts of Italy, where it is considered as a very useful vegetable.
537. WATER-CRESS. Sisymbrium Nasturtium.—A well known herb in common use, but is not in cultivation, although it is one of our best salads.