BUCKSHORN PLANTAIN. 307 



leaves are opposite, oval, smooth, and fleshy ; the flowers 

 are produced in long bunches, are of a fine blue color, and 

 stand upon short stems ; they are more or less abundant 

 during most of the summer, and are followed by heart-shaped 

 seed-vessels, containing small, roundish seeds. 



Cultivation. It may be propagated by dividing the roots, 

 and setting the plants in wet localities, according to their 

 natural habit. It will thrive well when grown with Water- 

 cress. 



Use. The whole plant is used as a salad, in the same 

 manner and for the same purposes as Water-cress. It is 

 considered an excellent anti-scorbutic. 



BUCKSHORN PLANTAIN. 



Star of the Earth. Plantago coronopus. 



A hardy annual, indigenous to Great Britain, France, and 

 other countries of Europe. The root-leaves are put forth 

 horizontally, and spread regularly about a common centre, 

 somewhat in the form of a rosette ; the flower-stem is leaf- 

 less, branching, and from eight to ten inches high ; the 

 flowers are yellow; the seeds are quite small, of a clear, 

 brown color, and retain their power of germination three 

 years. Nearly two hundred and thirty thousand are contained 

 in an ounce. 



Soil and Cultivation. It succeeds best in a soil compar- 

 atively light ; and the seed should be sown in April. Sow 

 thinly, broadcast, or in shallow drills eight inches apart. 

 When the plants are about an inch high, thin them to three 

 or four inches apart. 



Use. The plant is cultivated for its leaves, which are 

 used as a salad. They should be plucked while still young 

 and tender, or when about half grown. 



