402 OLERACEOUS PLANTS. 



ing corymbs ; the seeds are small, slightly curved, and of a 

 grayish- white color. 



Hoary-leaved A variety with deeply-divided and hoary 

 Costmary. 



Loud. leaves, less fragrant than the preceding. 



Propagation and Cultivation. Costmary may be culti- 

 vated in almost any description of soil or situation. It is 

 sometimes grown from seeds, but is generally propagated by 

 dividing the roots, which increase rapidly, and soon entirely 

 occupy the ground. They are taken up for planting out 

 either in spring or autumn, and should be set two feet apart 

 in each direction. By occasionally thinning out the plants 

 as they become too thick, a bed may be continued many 

 years. 



Use. The plant has a soft, agreeable odor, and is some- 

 times used as a pot-herb for flavoring soups. The leaves 

 are used in salads, and also for flavoring ale or beer ; 

 hence the name " Alecost." 



CUMIN. 



Cuminum cyminum. 



Cumin is a native of Egypt. It is a tender, annual plant, 

 from nine to twelve inches high. The leaves are deep green, 

 and divided into long, linear segments, not unlike those of 

 Fennel ; the flowers are white or pale blue, and are pro- 

 duced in small umbels at the extremities of the branches ; 

 the seeds are long, furrowed, of a pale brownish color, and 

 somewhat resemble those of Anise. About seven thousand 

 are contained in an ounce, and they retain their power of 

 germination three years. 



Soil and Cultivation. Cumin requires a light, warm, 

 loamy soil. The seed should be sown about the beginning 



