GERMAN RAMPION. 



GERMAN RAMPION. 



(Enothera biennis. 



The German Rampion, or Evening Primrose, Tree p rim _ 

 common in this country to gravelly pastures and r ^g p?im?" 

 roadsides, is a hardy biennial plant, and, when 

 in full perfection, measures three or four feet in height, 

 with long, flat, pointed leaves, and large, yellow, fragrant 

 flowers. The seed-pods are oblong, four-sided ; the seeds are 

 small, angular, of a brown color, and retain their germinative 

 properties three years. 



Sowing and Cultivation. The seeds should be sown an- 

 nually, in April, in a rich and shady situation ; for if grown 

 in a dry, sunny exposure, and sown very early in the season, 

 the plants are inclined to run to flower during the summer, 

 which renders the roots worthless ; for they then become 

 hard and fibrous. Sow in drills an inch deep, and fourteen 

 inches apart ; thin to six or eight inches in the rows ; culti- 

 vate in the usual form ; and, in September, the roots will be 

 ready for use. For winter use, take up the roots before 

 freezing weather, and pack in sand. For spring use, they 

 may be taken directly from the. ground. 



To raise Seed. Two or three plants, left in the ground 

 through the winter, will yield an abundant supply of seeds 

 the following summer. 



Use. The root is the only part used. This, when full 

 grown, is generally from ten to twelve inches long, fusiform, 

 occasionally with a few strong fibres, whitish on the outside, 

 and white within. The thick, outer covering separates read- 

 ily, and should be removed when the root is eaten in its crude 

 state. It possesses a nutty flavor ; but is inferior to the true 

 Rampion, having a slight pungency. If required as a raw 

 salad, it should be eaten while young. When the roots have 



