THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 137 



after their seeds are ripe ; but, if it is desired to keep them for 

 several years, the flower-stems must be pinched out as soon as they 

 are visible in spring. 



Anise {Pimpinella anisuni). — A half-hardy annual, used for 

 garnishing or seasoning. Sow on the sunniest part of the border, 

 in the first week of May, where it is to remain. The plants should 

 be thinned, when up, to six inches apart. If seeds are wanted, it is 

 best to purchase them, as the}^ seldom ripen properly in this 

 country. 



Balm {Melissa officinalis). — This is a general favourite in the 

 country, for its grateful lemon-like odour, and the refreshing drink 

 which is prepared from it for the sick. It is a coarse-looking plant, 

 growing two or three feet high. It will grow in any soil, but best 

 in poor clayey stufi". Seed may be sown in April or May, but a 

 quicker method is to obtain plants and part them. If required in 

 any quantity the plauts should be divided in September, and the 

 pieces planted two feet apart. 



Basil. — Sweet Basil is Ocijmum hasilicum. Bush Basil is O. 

 minimum. Both are tender plants requiring to be raised 

 annually from seeds. To secure early supplies, the seeds should be 

 sown on a hot-bed in March, and the plants should have the care 

 usually bestowed on tender annuals, and be planted out at the end 

 of May, on light rich soil. If there are no conveniences for raising 

 plants under glass, sow the first week in May on a sunny bank, and 

 the plants will appear in the early part of June. Basil is used in 

 soups and salads, and some prefer it to flavour peas, instead of mint. 

 If strong plants are put out at the end of May, seed may be obtained 

 in September, but seed imported from Italy is far better than can be 

 ripened in England. 



Borage {Borago officinalis'). — A rough-leaved rustic annual, pro- 

 ducing the most lovely blue flowers. Sow in March, April, May, 

 June, and September, to have a succession. The young tops have 

 the flavour of cucumber, and are used in the preparation of a " cool 

 tankard." In case of a scarcity of summer vegetables, the young 

 leaves may be cooked as spinach. Bees are very fond of the flowers, 

 and a rough piece of ground, not wanted for any particular purpose, 

 might be sown all over with borage, both for the bees and to give a 

 cheerful air to what might otherwise be quite a waste. 



Bu GLOSS (AncJmsa officinalis). — This is a rather coarse plant, 

 with blue flowers in clusters at the summit. The poorer the soil, 

 the neater the growth and the longer it lasts. If sown now, on a 

 sunny bank, it may be reckoned to last two years, and then will 

 probably die, and leave behind it a great progeny of plants from 

 seeds self sown. AVhen it grows in sheer rubbish or between the 

 bricks of an old wall it lasts many years, but in rich soil it becomes 

 an annual. It has much the same properties as borage, and was 

 anciently esteemed as a cordial. It is quite a question to me if of 

 any use at all, but though a rustic plant, it is pretty. 



Burnet {Poterium sangiiisorla) . — A pretty plant, requiring a 

 very sunny poor dry soil, doing well on sand, chalk, or bricklayers' 

 rubbish. Sow the seed in March, April, and May, or multiply by 



