The Kitchen Gaeden. 109 



half expanded. A larger, but inferior produce is obtained by 

 letting them remain till in full expansion, as is practiced by the 

 market-gardeners. 



For use, peel the stem, and cut it into thin slices, and pre- 

 pare as you would apples, for pies, tarts, or sauce. The 

 English gardeners say, however, that it should be grown so 

 quickly and be so tender as to require no peeling. 



8. Paeslet — Apium Petroselinum. 

 Parsley is but little cultivated in this country, and is princi- 

 pally used for garnishing. It is a native of Sardinia. The 

 curled variety is most worthy of cultivation. Sow in April, 

 in drills half an inch deep. It may form an edging around 

 beds, borders, or compartments. From the long time the seed 

 lies in the ground without germinating, it has been said that it 

 goes nine times to the devil and back before it comes up! 

 These journeys require ordinarily a month or more ; but by 

 soaking the seed twenty-four hours before sowing, the process 

 is somewhat hastened. When the plants are three or four 

 inches high, thin them out to six inches apart. With a little 

 protection, it will grow all winter in this climate. It is 

 esteemed by many as a seasoning for stews and soups. 



XI.— SWEET HEEBS, ETC. 



Of the sweet herbs and medicinal plants more or less culti- 

 vated in gardens, a brief mention may properly be here made. 

 They are generally planted in borders, and, to secure their 

 peculiar virtues in perfection, should not be manured. Com- 

 mon garden soil is sufficiently rich for most of them. As a 

 general rule, they are gathered when in bloom, and carefully 

 dried in the shade. 



1. Shrubhy Plants. — Sage {Salma officinalis)-^ Winter 

 Savoy {Saturlca montana) ; Rosemary {Rosmariiis officinalis) ; 

 Thyme {Thymus 'vulgaris) ; Rue {Rutu graveolens) ; Wormwood 

 {Artiinesia absintMum)\ Southernwood {Artimesia abrota- 

 num) ; Lavender {Lavenchila spica) ; Hyssop {Eyssopiis offid- 



