xii INTRODUCTION, 
a Drawer, preffing them clofedown, and covered 
with Paper. When the intire Plant is to be ufed 
except the Root, Care is to be taken that it be 
thered at a proper Seafon. Nature in the whole 
Growth of Plants, tends to the Produdtion of their — 
Flowers and Seeds, but when they are ripe, the 
reft begins to decay, having done its Duty ; fo 
that the Time when the intire Plant is in its moft 
full Perfection, is when it is in the Bud ;. when 
the Heads are formed for flowering, but not a 
fingle Flower has yet difclofed itfelf: This is the 
exact Time. Si 
_ When Herbs are to be ufed freth, it is beft not 
to take them intire, but only to cut off the Tops ; 
three or four Inches long, if for Infufion; and if 
for other Purpofes, lefs: If they are to be beaten. 
up with Sugar, they fhould be only an Inch, or lefs; 
Juft as far as they are frefh and tender. The Tops 
of the Plant thus gathered, are always preferable 
to the whole Plant for immediate Ufe. * 
“Wher the intire, Herb is:to be dried, the Seafon 
for gathering it is to be as juft deftribed, when 
the Flowers are buding; and the Time of the 
Day muft be when the Morning Dew js dried 
away, This is a very material Circumftance, for’ 
- if they be cut wet with the dew, Herbs will not. 
dry well, and if they be cut at Noon-Day, when 
the Sun has made the Leaves flag, they will not 
have their full Power. ee it 4 
Care muft alfo be ‘taken, to cut them in a dry 
Day; for the Wet of Rain will do as much harm, 
Oo: of Dew) Ries hots Sty secs > Ne gare 
_ When the Herhs are thus gathered, they are to 
be looked over, th pPilacd Leaves vicloes a 
and the dead Ends of the Stalks. cut away : = 
are then to be tied up in fmall Bunctes, the leis 
the better ; and bing, ipoo Lanes drawn acrofsa 
Room, where the Wirdows and Doors are we be = 
alee 
