306 SALAD PLANTS. 



Blanching. When the plants are well advanced, they 

 should be gradually earthed up about the stems in the 

 process of cultivation, in the manner of blanching Celery 

 or Cardoons ; like which they are also gathered for use, 

 and preserved during winter. 



To raise Seed. Leave a few plants unblanched ; protect 

 with stable-litter, or other convenient material, during win- 

 ter, and they will flower, and produce an abundance of 

 seeds, the following summer. 



Use. It was formerly much cultivated for its leaf-stalks, 

 which, after being blanched, were used as a pot-herb and for 

 salad. They have a pleasant, aromatic taste and odor ; but 

 the plant is now rarely grown, Celery being almost univer- 

 sally preferred. 



Perfoliate A hardy biennial species, from Italy ; stem 

 Alexanders. 



three feet in height, grooved or furrowed, hol- 



. 



low ; leaves many times divided, and of a yel- 

 lowish-green color ; flowers, in terminal bunches, yellowish- 

 white ; seeds black, of the form of those of the common 

 species, but smaller. 



It is considered superior to the last named, as it not only 

 blanches better, but is more crisp and tender, and not so 

 harsh-flavored. 



BROOK-LIME. 



American Brook-lime. Marsh Speedwell. Veronica beccabunga. 

 Brook-lime is a native of this country, but is also common 

 to Great Britain. It is a hardy perennial, and grows natu- 

 rally in ditches and streams of water, but is rarely culti- 

 vated. The stem is from ten to fifteen inches in height, 

 thick, smooth, and succulent, and sends out roots at the 

 joints, by which the plant spreads and is propagated ; the 



