Persistency of Dandelion. 13 



To keep order in some degree, and yet not to make 

 my corner too orderly, is the problem. A touch of 

 rustic carelessness is necessary to the effect I desire, 

 but difficult to attain with due regard to the interests 

 of the other parts of the garden ; for dandelions will 

 intrude in too strong force, and rag-weed and plantain 

 and groundsel will find a refuge when ruthlessly driven 

 out elsewhere. However, I have an idea that such a 

 corner as this is a fine safety-valve, so to speak a 

 free lung and breathing space for certain outcasts of 

 gardeners, which yet are very beautiful in their way, 

 and sometimes very useful too. 



The dandelion is indeed a very persistent plant, 

 armed as it were by nature with almost magical 

 powers to secure its continuance. With its many 

 edible and medicinal virtues it would seem to contest 

 the common saying that good things either are scarce 

 or are tied up in little bundles. Were its virtues only 

 fully appreciated, it would be much more in use than 

 it is. The rabbits know its virtues, and use it largely, 

 and anybody who keeps tame ones will do wrong not 

 to let them taste it now and then. And man, proud 

 man, drest in a little brief authority, despises the 

 lesson he might learn from the animals; and, instead 

 of enjoying dandelion in coffee or salad, waits till he 

 is compelled to take it in pills and potions. Even as 

 greens the stalks are good : no salad is perfect without 

 them. Were it only scarce it would be eagerly sought 

 after. Dandelion coffee may be bought, but on the 

 word of a good authority, it is but a poor make-shift 

 for the dandelion coffee that may be grown and made 

 by anybody. Yet few dream of making it, simple as 

 it is. The bitter in it is the valuable element, and the 

 preparation is easy. The roots only require to be 



