386 SALAD PLANTS. 



Tarragon vinegar, so much esteemed as a fish-sauce, is made 

 by infusion of the leaves in common vinegar. It is also 

 added to most salads to correct their coldness. Three or 

 four plants will be sufficient for a family." Mclnt. 



VALERIANA. Vil. 

 Fedia cornucopias. Valeriana cornucopiee. 



This is an annual plant, with a smooth, branching stem 

 about fifteen inches high. The leaves are oblong, stemless, 

 thick, and fleshy, and of a bright, glossy green color ; the 

 flowers are numerous, large, rose-colored, showy, and orna- 

 mental ; the seeds are oblong, yellowish, somewhat vesicu- 

 lous, and retain their vitality five years. Twenty-two 

 hundred are contained in an ounce. 



Soil and Culture. It succeeds best in a light, warm soil. 

 Prepare a bed four feet and a half wide, spade it thoroughly 

 over, rake the surface smooth and fine, and sow the seed in 

 drills fourteen inches apart. The first sowing should be 

 made the last of April, or early in May ; and afterwards, for 

 a succession, sow a row or two every fortnight till July. 



Use. It is used as a salad, and is said to be superior to 

 the Common Fetticus, or Corn-salad. 



"When in blossom, the plant presents a beautiful appear- 

 ance, and well deserves a place in the flower-garden. 



WATER-CRESS. 



Sisymbrium nasturtium. Nasturtium officinale. 

 "Water-cress is a hardy, aquatic perennial, and is found 

 growing naturally, in considerable abundance, about ponds, 

 and in ditches and small running streams. When in bios- 



