ANNUAL PHYTOLACCA. 157 



Soil and Culture. It will thrive in almost auy soil or 

 situation ; and can be easily propagated from seed, or by 

 dividing the roots. The plant requires little cultivation, and 

 is so abundant in many localities as to afford an ample 

 supply for the mere labor of gathering. 



Use. The young shoots are eaten early in the season, as 

 a substitute for asparagus, which they resemble in taste. 

 When treated in the manner of sea-kale, the flavor of the 

 sprouts is scarcely distinguishable from that of asparagus. 

 The root has reputed important medicinal properties ; and, 

 when taken internally, acts as a violent emetic. 



ANNUAL PHYTOLACCA. 

 Phytolacca esculenta. 



An annual species, with foliage similar to the foregoing. 

 It is much less vigorous and stocky in habit. The seed 

 should be sown in April, in drills fifteen inches apart. The 

 young shoots, or plants, are used in the manner of the species 

 before described. 



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