Cultural Directions. 251 



more generally from division of the root-stock. A tuft or two of 

 it planted in any convenient, well-drained spot, will furnish all a 

 family may possibly want, without requiring further attention. 



RUE. 



Ruta Graveolens. German, Rante ; French, Rue. The 

 leaves of this little perennial shrub, although bitter and very 

 pungent, are nevertheless sometimes used for seasoning. Plants 

 are easily grown from seed, or from division of the tufts. Set 

 the plants 20 or 24 inches apart each way in well-drained but 

 rather moist soil. Little or no further attention is required. 



SAGE. 



Salvia Officinalis. German, Salbei ; 

 French, Sauge ; Spanish, Salvia. A perennial 

 shrub of easiest culture, the leaves of which 

 are largely used for seasoning sausages, meat, 

 etc. Readily propagated from seed as well 

 as by layering. Sow seed in early spring in 

 drills, in well-drained soil. The plants will 

 last for many years without requiring much 

 attention. It is largely grown for market as 

 a second crop. The Broad Leaved is an 

 improved variety. 



Sage. 



SALSIFY, OR OYSTER PLANT. 



Tragopogon Porrifolium. German, Haferwurzel ; French, 

 Salsifis ; Spanish, Salsifi. It is only recently 

 that people have begun to like salsify, and to 

 cultivate it more generally. It is becoming so 

 important as a market crop that some market 

 gardeners near the large cities of the east now 

 grow acres of it. 



CULTURE. Seed is sown in spring in drills 12 

 inches apart, and the plants thinned to 3 or 4 inches 

 apart in the rows. The soil should be rich and 

 well prepared, and kept well cultivated and hoed 

 during the growing season. The crop may be dug 

 late in the fall, and stored away like other root 

 crops for use during the winter. Frost improves 

 its flavor. That part of the crop which is intended 

 for spring use, may safely be left in the ground 

 over winter, and only at the extreme north it 

 may be necessary to draw a little soil over the rows for winter 

 protection. 



