Q  May I ask, through N&Q for information as to the dates at which the vegetables and fruits that now appear on our dinner-tables were introduced into England; the names of their introducers and the places from which they were brought ? I should also like to be informed as to the vegetables ��� etc X.Y.

Notes and Queries Vol. 1 4th S. (3) Jan 18 1868 Page 53

A  I have been credibly informed that the Rev. John Frewen, who was vicar of Sidbury, near Sidmouth, AD 1707-13, was the first person that sent sea-kale to the London market; but it seems to have been very little appreciated there many years subsequent to this period. An esteemed friend - a long time alas! deceased - who was thoroughly versed in horticulture, and most accurate in all he said as well as did, told me that his relative, Mr Giles Templeman (of Dorchester?), was the first who sent sea-kale to Covent Garden Market. This was probably about the middle of the last century; but the plant was then so little known that, the label having been defaced in the carriage to London, the contents of the parcel were put aside as being "some sort of poisonous root or other."

He obtained them from the Chesil Beach between Weymouth and Portland. But my informant further related how that his godfather, the Rev. Abraham Channing, who was rector of Pentridge, Dorset, 1750-80, first cultivated the kale as a vegetable in his garden at Pentridge, but that he always ate it in the unbleached state. There seems to be a little rivalry between the sister counties of Dorset and Devon, as to which of them may claim the priority of introducing this excellent vegetable to our tables.

Growing indigenously on the shores of both counties, intelligent minds were manifestly directed to the observation of its useful qualities and probably quite independently one of the other, during the progress of the last century ; but I think we must generously yield the palm to Devon in estimating the results.

W.W.S.

Notes and Queries Vol. 1 4th S. (11) Mar 14 1868 Page 256

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