LEAF-BEET, OR SWISS CHARD. 281 



Use. The French, according to Vilmorin, eat the leaves 

 in the manner of Spinach ; while Dr. Bigelow asserts that it 

 has the aspect and reputation of a poisonous plant. 



On the authority of American botanists, it was introduced 

 into this country from Europe. By European botanists, it is 

 described as a plant of American origin. 



LEAF-BEET, OR SWISS CHARD. 

 Sicilian Beet. White Beet. Beta cicla. 



The Leaf-beet is a native of the sea-coasts of Spain and 

 Portugal. It is a biennial plant, and is cultivated for its 

 leaves and leaf-stalks. The roots are much branched or 

 divided, hard, fibrous, and unfit for use. 



Propagation and Cultivation. It is propagated, like other 

 beets, from seed sown annually, and will thrive in any good 

 garden soil. The sowing may be made at any time in April 

 or May, in drills eighteen inches apart, and an inch and a 

 half deep. When the plants are well up, thin them to ten 

 or twelve inches apart, and treat during the season as the 

 common Red Beet, stirring the surface frequently, arid keep- 

 ing clear of weeds. The excellence of this vegetable con- 

 sists in the succulent character of the stems and nerves of 

 the leaves ; and these properties are best acquired in moist 

 and warm seasons, or by copious watering in dry weather. 



Taking the Crop. " The largest and fullest grown leaves 

 should be gathered first ; others will follow. If grown for 

 Spinach, the leaves should be rinsed in clean water, and 

 afterwards placed in a basket to drain dry ; if for Chard, or 

 for the leaf-stalks and veins, these should be carefully pre- 

 served, and the entire leaves tied up in bundles of six or 

 eight in each." Mclnt. 



Seed. During the first season, select a few vigorous 

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