4030. Chapman, gardener a t Shurdiloes, in Buckinghamshire, grows his horseradish everv year in the
same spot, finding great difficulty in ckiariug the ground from it. lie trenches u p as large aportion every
winter as will supply the family throughout the year: in doing this, ho picks out and trims the roots
which are (it for use, and leaves the smaller fibres in the bottom of th e trench, as sets for a successional
crop. The roots for use ave laid in by the heels in the shade, and the buds are rubbed off them as they
protrude.
4031. P r e s e r v in g . Horseradish, if dug up in autumn, may be preserved through the winter in sheds
or cellars, among saud or dry earth.
S u b s e c t . 8. Indian Cress, or Nasturtium.— TropaJolum majus and mhius "L. (Bot.
Mag. 23.); Octaxi. Monog. L. and Tropceblece, I). C. Capucine, F r.; Kapuzincr-
hlume, Gcr.; Spaanche kers, Dutcli; Fior Cappucino, Ital.; Capuckinas, Span.; and
Mast}-ugo do Peru, Port.
4032. Tke Indian ci'css is a hardy annual, a native of Peru. In its natii’C countiy,
it endures several seasons; bnt here, being unable to sustain onr winter, it is treated as
an annual plant, and requires to be sown every year.
4033. Use. T h e flowers and young leaves arc frequently eaten in salads; they have a warm taste, like
the common cress, thence the name of na s tic r tium . The llowers are also used as a garnish to dishes, in
which they form a brilliant contrast vvith the flowers of borage. T h e berries avc gathered green and
pickled, in which state they form an excellent substitute for capers.
4034. Species a n d v a r ie tie s : —
1. Large Nasturtium (T. majus), iiitro-
duocd in 1086. There is a variety
with douhle flowers, which U proj«!-
gaicd by cuttings, and requires to be
treated as a grconhuuse plant. Tlie
flowers are preferable for garnishing.
There is another variety with beautiful
browu velvet-like flowers, intro-
3. SmaU Nastui-tium (_T. mhius), introduced
in 1690, is sometimes cultivated
for culinary purposes; but is
of weakly growth, and by no means
equal to the large in produce. There
is a variety of this species with double
flowers, propagated by cuttings, and
preserved through the winter under
glass; but, like tho double variety of
Ihe large nasturtium (T. majus), it
is more ornamental than useful.
The seed pods, however, of this
variety are preferable for pickling as
a substitute for capers.
4033. C u lture . T h e single varieties of both sorts arc raised from seed, of which 1 oz. will sow 2.3 ft.
of drill. The plants will thrive in almost any soil, but a light fresh loam is best, as less likely to make
the plants grow rank and luxuriant, and produce few berries, which one that is rich is apt to do. Care
must be taken to select good sound seed, berries of the last year, for those of greater age will not grow
a t all, or not freely and regularly. “ Sow in March or April, or not later than tho beginnmg of May, in
one small crop, of one, two, or th ree rows, for a moderate familv. Either allot the large sort a situation
in a single row, near a vacant fence, trellis, or wall, on which tlie runners may be trained; or divide an
open compartment into rows, 3 ft. or 4 ft. asunder, to admit sticks for their support. Form drills l i in.
deep ; in which deposit the seeds 2 1n. or 3 in. apart, and earth them over evenly. When the plants begin
to advance in runners, let them be trained to a fence or trellis. It is generally necessary, at flrst, to
conduct the main runners, but they will afterwards climb unassisted.”
4036. T a k in g the crop. “ For pickling let the berries ju st attain their full size, b u t pluck them while
green, plump, and tende r.”
4037. To save seed. “ Permit a sufficiency of tbe berries to remain till mature. In August and September,
gather them as they ripen ; spread them to dry and harden ; then put them up for sowing next
year.’’ {Abercrombie-)
S ubsect. 9. Marigold, or Pot-marigold. — Calendula officinàlis L. ; Syng. Polyg. Nc-
cess. L. and Compósitce J. Souci de Jardin, Fr. ; Ringelblume, Ger. ; Goud hloein,
Dutch ; Fiotrancio, Ital. ; and Clumeno, Span.
4038. The pot-marigold is an annual plant, a native of France and Spain, and known
in this countiy since 1573. It is a common inhabitant of cottage gardens, aud iu some
parts of England the flowers are used iu broths and soups.
4039. The varie tie s are—
1. 7'he single orange-flowered; most aromatic and proper for
keeping.
5. TAe c/iiWinp or proliferous; wliich sends out small flowers
from the margins of the calyx ofthe large central flowers,
This variety of tho marigold is cultivated chiefly for orna-
meuL
2. Tke single lemon-flowered; r.vther less aromatic.
5. and 4. The douUe-flowered of both varieties.
4040. Culture. Sow in February, March, or April, and for a seed-bed 4 ft. by 4 ft., sown in drills 1 ft.
asunder, a quarte r of an ounce wifi suffice ; “ or you may deposit the seed in autumn ( September), to
have it come up forwarder io th e spring, though th e spring sowing will come up in very good time. Sow
on a light dry soil, either in drills 1ft. asunder, or broadcast ; .and rake in the seed. When the plants
are up 2 in. or 3 in. in growth, thin them to about 12 in. or 15 in. asunder, or they may be transplanted
vvith that interval. They will grow freely in either method, and come into flower th e following May or
June, and continue flowering in plentiful succession throughout summer and autumn ; to be cut for use
as wanted. A store for winter should be gathered when in full flower, spread to dry out of th e sun, and
afterwards put up in paper bags.”
4041. To save seed. “ The flowers, as far as th ey a re left to run, will in autumn produce a competency.”
{A be rc rombie .)
Subsect. 10. Borage.— Rorago officinàlis L. (Eng. Bot. 36.); Pent. Monog. L. aud
Roragincoe B. P. Bourrache, Fr. ; Borragen, Gcr. ; and Borragine, Ital.
4042. The borage is an annual and sometimes a bieimial plant. The liglit-blue flowers
make a beautiful appearance, and are produced for several months in succession, beginning
with May. It is a native, or uatui-alised in several parts of Britain.
4043. Use. T h e young leaves and tender tops are used occasionally as salads, and to furnish a boiled
dish in summer and autumn. T h e juice of the plant s affords '" ' nitre,'' and .................................................
the withered stalks have been obbed
served to burn like match-paper.
4044. Course o f c u ltu r e . It is raised from seed, and for .. ____ A\__________
ft. by 0 ft., 1 oz. is requisite. “ Sow
eycty year in the spring, any V time - in ...............-February OT or -■ March, till . ml May,May, & &c.,c., for summer supply;supply ; and in any
oi the summer months, for young borage m autumn, as the plants of the spring and early summer
sowings soon run up to stalks m the same year; and in July or August and September, to furnish young
leafy plants for winter and following spring. A small crop of each sowing will be sufficient for the supply
ol a family. This herb loves a dry soil. Sow cither broadcast, and raked in, or in small drills 6 in. to
12 in. UtyUKler. Where the plants rise too close, thin them to th a t distance. Although this lierb will
grow wiien transplanted, it prospers best when it remains where sown. Where the young leafy tons and
tlower-spikcs are in demand, permit the stem to run u p .”
4Ü45. To save seed. “ lyoave some of the plants which first run : they will produce plenty of seed in
autumn: and from self-sown seeds many young plants will come up spontaneously.” {Abe rc rombie .)
S e c t . IX. Sweet Herbs.
4046. Of sweet herbs, one or two kinds, as tho lavender, peppermint, and some other
mints, arc extensively cultivated by market-gardeners for the druggists ; but a very few
square yards of the private kitchen-garden will suffice to cultivate as much of each as is
ever wanted by any iamily. The sage, thjune, mint, and tansy, appear in single plants
in the border of tho cottager’s garden.
S u b s e c t . 1 . Thyme.— Thymus T.', Didy. Gymnos. L. and Xaón/to J. X/n/m, Fr.;
Thimian, Gcr. ; Gemeene Thym, Dutch ; Timo, Ital. ; Tomillo, Span. ; and Tomilhu
Port.
4047. Of%Hie there are two species cultivated for culinary purposes, thecommon
and the lemon thyme. Common or garden thyme is the î^hymus vulgàris X. ; a low
e-vergrcen under-shrub, a native of Spain and Italy, and cultivated in this countiy since
1548, and probably long before. It seldom rises above 1 ft. higli, has smaller flowers
than the common wild tliyme, and is more delicate in its flavour. There are two varieties,
the broad and the nan-ow Icai-ed, besides the variegated, gi-own for ornament.
Lemon thyme is the T. citriodorns P. S .; a very low evergreen shrub, trailing and
seldom rising above 4 in. or 6 in. in height. It is readily distinguished from the fonner,
and from wild thyme, of wliich it has generally been considered as a variety, by its strong
smell of lemons, as the trivial name imports.
4048. Use. The young leaves ancl tops are used in soups, stuffings, and sauces. For these p u rposes,
the broad-leaved common is generally preferred ; but th e flavour of the lemon is much liked
in peculiar dishes.
4049. Cullure . “ To raise the plant from seed is th e general and most eligible method. It is occasionally
multiplied by parting th e roots of stocky close plants, and by slips of the voung shoots.”
4050. B y seed. “ Sow in March or April in a bed or border of light liiic earth, either broadcast
scattered thin, and raked in lightly, which is the general course, or in small shallow drills, 6 in.
asunder; the young plants may either remain, or be transplanted in the summer, when 2 in. oV 3in.
high. A portion may be drilled, for an edging to a border. Give occasional light waterings in dry wann
weather, both before and after the plants are up. As soon as they ave from 3 in. to 5 in. in growth, in
Ju n e or July, taking the opportunity of rain, thin some out, and plant 6 in. asunder, and water at
planting. Others may be planted in a single row to form an edging to a border, either sot close to form
a t once a full edging, or as far as 3 in. apart. Seedlings thus treated will come in for use the same year.
Those who raise considerable supplies of thyme for the markets, usually sow large portions thickly in
beds, to remain til! of useful growth; then to be drawn off root and top together, a t different seasons, as
wanted ; it is then tied in small bunches for m arket. Some persons also transplant considerable portions
in spring ancl summer, to 0 in. 10 in. or 12 in. distance, to form a stocky full growth, to be drawn off in
large bushy plants.”
4051. JJy qffèeis. “ Thyme is also propagated by slips of th e branchy shoots in the spring, or early in
autumn ; but more effectually by sections of the stool, top and root together, or by removing rooted
branches. To make branches quickly root, loosen the mould about any established bushy plants, in spring
or summer, and lay some frosh earth a small depth upon the spreading shoots : they will ail be well rooted
tho same year for planting off'. P ia n t in light rich earth : shade and water till rooted. In autumn to
provide against the effects of frost on exotic evergreens, dry and house a store for winter ; either cutting
the toj)s, or drawing entire plants.”
4052. To save seed. “ It is produced abundantly, and ripens in summer and autumn. Gather the
seed-spikes, spread them upon a cloth to d ry ; rub out clean, and put the seeds up for sowing the
following year.” {Abe rc rombie .) "
S u b s e c t . 2. Sage. — Sàlvia officinàlis T. (Ger. Herb. 623. f. L); Dinn. Monog. L.
and Lahiàtoe B. P. Sauge, Fr. ; Salbey, Gcr. ; Salie, Dutch ; Salvia, Ital. and Span.
4053. The sage is an evergreen under-shrub, a native of the south of Europe, and
mentioned by Gerard, in 1597, as au inhabitant of our gardens.
4054. Use. The leaves are used in stuffings and sauces for many kinds of luscious and strong meats ;
as well as to improve the flavour of various articles of cookery. 'J'he decoction called sage-tea is
usually made from one variety, th e small-leaved green, or sage of virtu e ; but any of the others are
equally fit for this purpose.
4055. Varieties. These are—
1, Coniwon, or Bed. | 2. Green. \ 5. «S'OTfiii-Zoavnd (ircen, or sage of virtue. | 4. or Balsamic,
405G. E s tim a te o f so rts. “ 'Phe red is the principal sort in culinary use, having the most agreeable and
fullest flavour ; the green is next in estimation with the cook; but th e small-leaved is generally preferred
to those to eat as a raw herb, and for decoctions ; while the broad-leaved balsamic species is the most
efficacious in a medical way, and is also a tea-herb. However, any of the sorts may be occasionally used
for thoso alternate purposes.”
4057. Culture . “ All the varieties may be propagated by slips or cuttings of the young shoots, taken
from March to June; but most successfully in May and June, by detaching the young shoots of the same
year. 'The outward shoots are to be preferred. Slip or cut them off 5 in. or G in. long, stripping off the
under leaves, and preserving the top leaves entire : plant them in a shady border, G in. asunder, inserting
them quite down to the top leaves, and water them. They wil! soon take root freely, especially the
young shoots planted in May and June. In the advancing growth, if they spindle up in flower-stalks,
pinch or cut th a t part down, th at the plants may shoot out full and stocky from the bottom in close bushy
growth for use the same year. In gathering sage for use, cut or slip off the young side and toji shoots
neatly ; and be careful not to stub too close, especially towards winter, and during that season. In July
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