126 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



(1) Common Fennel, also Wild or Bitter Fennel 

 (Fcenkulum vulgare\ is a plant little known in America 

 and seldom cultivated. It will grow in any soil, rows 

 two or more feet apart; being perennial, it will seed 

 itself and multiply indefinitely when once established. 

 The leaves are occasionally used for seasoning, and the 

 seeds in the manufacture of liqueurs. 



(2) Sweet Fennel, also called Garden Fennel and 

 Long Sweet (Fceniculum officmale\ is a biennial usually 

 treated as an annual. This plant is much more stoutly 

 stemmed than the wild or common Fennel ; the stems 

 are enclosed in the leaf-stalks, and if picked when ten- 

 der, and served raw, constitute the "Carosella" of 

 Naples, there considered a great delicacy. 



Soil. Any good garden soil. 



Distances. Drills eighteen inches or more apart. 



Depth. One to two inches. 



Sow when the ground is fit. In mild climates 

 sow in late September, in order to have the crop come 

 early in the following spring. 



Cut the stems while still enclosed in the leaf-stalks, 

 and when young. Serve raw. 



Succession. Sow monthly. 



(3) Florence Fennel, sometimes called Naples Fen- 

 nel (Fceniculum duke), is the Finocchio of the Italians, 

 who esteem it highly. It is little known in America; its 

 flavor is delicate, slightly resembling celery, but sweeter. 



Soil. Any good garden soil. 



