SPEARMINT. 429 



slender, terminal spikes ; the seeds are small, oblong, of a 

 brown color, and retain their vitality five years. They are 

 generally few in number, as most of the flowers are abor- 

 tive. 



Soil, Propagation, and Culture. It may be grown from 

 seed, but is best propagated by a division of the roots, which 

 are long and creeping, and readily establish themselves 

 wherever they are planted. Spearmint thrives best in rich, 

 moist soil, but may be grown in any good garden loam. 

 The roots may be set either in the autumn or spring. 



Where large quantities are required for marketing in the 

 green state, or when grown for distillation, lay out the land 

 in beds three or four feet in width, and make the drills two 

 or three inches deep, and a foot apart. Having divided the 

 roots into convenient pieces, spread them thinly along the 

 drills, and earth them over to a level with the surface of the 

 bed. Thus treated, the plants will soon make their appear- 

 ance, and may be gathered for use in August and September. 

 Just before severe weather, give the beds a slight dressing 

 of rich soil, and the ensuing season the plants will entirely 

 occupy the surface of the ground. 



Use. Mint is sometimes mixed in salads, and is used 

 for flavoring soups of all descriptions. It is often boiled 

 with green peas, and, with the addition of sugar and vine- 

 gar, forms a much esteemed relish for roasted lamb. It has 

 also much reputed efficacy as a medicinal plant. 



A variety with curled foliage. It is a good Curled- 



J leaved Spear- 



sort for garnishing, but, for general use, is mint. 



inferior to the Common or Plain-leaved species before de- 

 scribed. Propagated by dividing the roots. 



