ASPARAGUS. 143 



thorn ; leaves of the plant deep green. Most esteemed in 

 its crude state, eaten as a salad in vinegar and oil. 



Similar to the Common Green Artichoke, but Laon. VlL 



of larger size. Scales rather loose and open, deep green, 



fleshy, and pointed. Much cultivated in the vicinity of 

 Paris, and there considered the best. 



Bud of medium size, somewhat globular, but Large Flat 



Brittany, 

 flattened at the top ; scales closely set together, vu. 



green, brownish on the borders, short, thick, and fleshy at 

 the base. Earlier than the Laon, but not so fleshy. Much 

 grown in Anjou and Brittany. 



Bud conical ; scales green towards their tips, Purplish- 

 and purplish-red at their base. Not very 

 fleshy, and in no respect superior to the preceding varieties. 



ASPARAGUS. 



Asparagus officinalis. 



Asparagus is a hardy, perennial, maritime plant. It rises 

 to the height of five feet and upwards, with an erect, branch- 

 ing stem ; short, slender, nearly cylindrical leaves ; and 

 greenish, drooping flowers. The seeds, which are produced 

 in globular, scarlet berries, are black, somewhat triangular, 

 and retain their germinative powers four years. Twelve 

 hundred and fifty weigh an ounce. 



It is indigenous to the shores of various countries of 

 Europe and Asia ; and, since its introduction, has become 

 naturalized to a considerable extent in this country. It is 

 frequently seen in mowing-fields upon old farms ; and, in 

 some instances has found its way to the beaches and marshes 

 of the sea-coast. 



