Chicory Corn Salad 



just above the crown, they can at once be started into growth, and it 

 is essential that this be made in absolute darkness. French growers 

 plant in a warm bed of the temperature suited to Mushrooms, but 

 this treatment ruins the flavour, and has the effect of making the 

 fibre of the leaves woolly. It is far simpler and better to put the 

 roots into a cellar or shed in which a temperature above the freezing 

 point may be relied on, and from which every ray of light can be 

 excluded. They can be closely packed in deep boxes, with light soil 

 or leaf-mould between. If the soil be fairly moist, watering will not 

 be necessary for a month, and had better not be resorted to until the 

 plants show signs of flagging. Instead of boxes, a couple of long and 

 very wide boards, stood on edge and supported from the outside, 

 make a convenient and effective trough. The packing of the roots 

 with soil can be commenced at one end, and be gradually extended 

 through the entire length, until the part first used is ready for a fresh 

 start. Breaking the leaves is better than cutting, and it may begin 

 about three weeks after the roots are stored. From well-grown 

 specimens, heads may be obtained equal to a compact Cos Lettuce, 

 and by a little management it is easy to maintain a supply from 

 October until the end of May. The quantity of salading to be 

 obtained from a few roots is really astonishing. 



CORN SALAD 



Valerianella olitoria 



CORN SALAD, or LAMB'S LETTUCE, so often seen on Continental 

 tables, is comparatively unknown in this country. The reason for 

 this is, perhaps, to be found in the fact that, as a raw vegetable, it is 

 not particularly palatable, although when dressed as a salad with 

 oil and the usual condiments it is altogether delicious, and forms 

 a most refreshing episode in the routine of a good dinner. Corn 

 Salad is a plant of quick growth, and is valued for its early appear- 

 ance in spring, when elegant salads are much in request. It may be 

 mixed with other vegetables for the purpose, or served alone with a 

 little suitable preparation. 



The most important sowings are made in August and September. 

 Seed may, however, be sown at any time from February to October, 

 but only those who are accustomed to the plant should trouble 

 to secure summer crops, as when Lettuces are plentiful Corn 

 Salad is seldom required. Any good soil will grow it, but the 



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