12 
a digestive, and is thought to reduce weight. It grows easily from 
seed, sown early in spring. Both the seed and the flowering tops 
are used. 
Foentculum dulce is Florence fennel or finnochio, which is an 
annual and grown like celery; that is, earthed up for a fortnight 
to blanch the bulbous leafstalk, which is then eaten raw or boiled. 
Fennel tops were often added to the “meetin” bouquets carried 
to church in Colonial days—perhaps something to nibble as well as 
to smell was to be desired, during the three-hour sermons! 
22. Sweet FiaG (Acorus Calamus). 
flag, growing in swampy places, is dried and candied, to be used 
The root of the sweet 
as a breath-sweetener and also a digestive. Before the days of 
al (ist . =e? oly =o 7 . 4 rer arr 
Afe Savers” slivers of candied calamus root were often carried 
in the pocket for the same use. Can be increased by root division. 
23. Sweet GERANIUM (Pelargonium). The most useful of 
these are: the rose geranium (P. graveolens), which 1s deliciously 
rose scented; a leaf floated in a glass of apple jelly flavors it with 
rose, and the leaves may be dried for potpourri; P. crispum, which 
— 
nas a tiny leaf attractive for sweet bouquets; P. tomentosum, 
peppermint geranium (the softest, most velvety, and fragrant of 
peppermint) is beautiful in flower arrangements and makes a de- 
licious addition to lemon jelly (gelatine). 
These pelargoniums may all be increased by ships taken 1n spring 
or fall, and make luxuriant growth if put in a sunny spot in the 
garden for the summer, but should be potted for the house in 
August. Old woody plants are best discarded and new ones started 
from slips, for the winter and for next summer’s garden. 
24. GERMANDER (Teucritm Chamacdrys) makes a_ practically 
evergreen border for herb garden beds or for the lines in Eliza- 
bethan “knots,” and is hardier than box for that purpose. It may 
discolor and die to the ground before spring, but will come up from 
the roots. It can be sheared if desired. It 1s a woody shrub and 
can be divided with a sharp knife for propagating. 
25. HorEHoUND (Marrubinm vulgare). “Syrup made from the 
green fresh leaves of horehound and sugar 1s a most singular 
remedy against the cough and wheezing of the lungs.”—7. Tryon, 
1692. Horehound candy for coughs 1s made every year by the 
Girl Scouts in Boston, and sold for their Benefit. It is made by 
