THE LA M&S LETTl CE, ETC. 671 



the plant is grpwn as small salading, when the leaves and stems may 

 be cut over, as in gathering the common cress or mustard. They are 

 considered as forming, when used raw, a delicate salad, and when 

 boiled, a good spinach. 



The Burnet (Poterium Sanguisorba, L., and Sanguisorba officinalis, 

 L.) are rosaceous perennials, the leaves of which, especially those of 

 the second species, are put into salads, and sometimes into soups ; and 

 so much are they esteemed in Italy, that the Italians have a proverb, 

 quoted by Evelyn, signifying that a salad without burnet is good for 

 nothing. 



The Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum, L.) is a cruciferous annual, 

 long in cultivation for its young leaves, which have a peculiarly warm 

 and grateful relish, either alone or with other salading. There are 

 several varieties ; the best of which are the common curled-leaved, 

 the Normandy curled, and the broad-leaved. The Normandy curled 

 is the hardiest and most useful variety, supplying a beautiful garnish 

 to dishes throughout the winter. The seed, which comes up in three 

 days, may be sown in September and October for winter and spring 

 supply ; and in March, April, and May, for summer use. These five 

 sowings will afford a constant supply throughout the year of leaves to 

 be gathered singly, whether for garnishings or salads ; but as the cress 

 is also used as a small salad, and for that purpose gathered in the seed- 

 leaf, where it is in demand in that state, it should be sown once a 

 week during winter and spring under glass, and in summer and 

 autumn in a shaded situation, the soil being kept moist by watering, 

 or by covering with hand-glasses or mats. The soil should always be 

 rich, the great object being rapid growth, so as to ensure succulence 

 and delicacy. A few plants allowed to run to flower will produce 

 abundance of seed, which will keep two years. Half a pound of seed 

 at least will be required where the cress is in constant demand as small 

 salading. 



The Winter Cress (Barbarea vulgaris, H. K.), and the American 

 Cress (B. praecox, Dec.), are cruciferous perennials, natives of Britain 

 in watery places, and by careful culture in gardens they can be made 

 to produce their leaves throughout the year. Sow in August, or the 

 beginning of September, in rows a foot apart, for a crop to stand 

 through the winter, and thin the plants out to six inches in the row. 

 If the leaves are gathered singly, and the plants protected from frost 

 by glass, or nightly coverings, they will afford a regular supply till 

 the following June. The plants will then run to flower, and produce 

 seed in abundance. 



The Water-cress (Nasturtium officinale, H. K.) is a cruciferous, am- 

 phibious, creeping perennial, held in general estimation in this and 

 other countries as an antiscorbutic plant, and brought to market in 

 immense quantities from its natural habitat in running water, or 

 artificial plantations made there. The most favourable description of 

 water is a clear stream, not more than an inch and a half deep, run- 

 ning over sand or gravel ; the least favourable, deep still water on a 

 muddy bottom. It is evident, therefore, that there are few private 



