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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 13, 26 September 1861, Page 3

To the Editor of the Hawke's Hay Times. Sir, —In reading over the voyages of Captain Cook, I find that lie more than once mentions finding, in New Zealand, plants supposed to be indigenous, and which he used with the best results as anti-scorbutics. In the Lev. E. Taylor’s little book, “A Leaf trom the Natural history of New Zealand,” I find the following passage—“ Nat. Ord. Chcnopodece, Eengarenga, Tciragonia cxpansa. New Zealand spinach; it was first brought into notice by Captain 1 - Cook, who found it useful as an anti-scorbutic ; the natives use it as food ; it is chiefly found in low swampy grounds near the sea, and is easily propagated from seed ;it is perennial; there are several varieties.”

Now, sir, it may seem strange that in New Zealand a person should want vegetables, but as I have, when living in the country, made several meals with the common dock as a vegetable, I shall feel obliged if any of your readers will supply me, through your columns, with a description of the New Zealand spinach, and state if it can be obtained in the neighbourhood of Napier.

I am, &c., Botanist. Napier, September 23rd, 1861.