“Sparrowgrass”
Sir,—Your correspondent, ’‘Acanthus,” who wonders whether “hydrangium” is the old version of hydrangea, may be assured that it is
not, but only one of the many confusions that result from the variety of Latin forms in botanical nomenclature. As for ‘‘sparrow grass” being “surely” a childish pronunciation used to encourage Johnny to eat his “veges,” the answer is that “sparrowgrass” and "sparagrass” have been recorded from the seventeenth century; and ignorance and the instinct to familarise the unfamiliar fully account for them. Nursery fret was not well understood 300 years ago —Yours, etc., SCHARFKOPF. April 14. 1962.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CI, Issue 29801, 18 April 1962, Page 8
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98“Sparrowgrass” Press, Volume CI, Issue 29801, 18 April 1962, Page 8
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