Sweet Herbs and Small Salads 



199 



Although really a perennial plant, it is cultivated as an annual crop in the 

 same way as the Salsafy. Being a hardier plant than Salsafy, the roots 

 may be left in the soil in winter if necessary. Besides the ordinary variety, 



there is a large -rooted one called the 

 "Giant Russian". 



Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa). This member 

 of the Rhubarb family is grown in small 

 quantities by some market gardeners, more 

 or less as a catch crop, between the rows 

 of fruit trees and bushes. The clumps are 

 planted 1 to 1J ft. apart in rows about 

 2 ft. wide, and a deep, moist, loamy soil is 

 preferred. Under good tillage the leaves 

 attain a large size, and are picked for 



Fig. 515. ticorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica) 



Fig. 516. Belleville Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa) 



market in the same way as those of Spinach. The finest foliage develops 

 in moist and partially shaded positions, and once a plantation is estab- 

 lished it will last for a few years. Propagation is effected by division 

 of the clumps, or plants may be raised from seeds sown thinly in drills 

 where the plants are to remain. 



There are several varieties; one of the best, and that favoured by the 

 French market gardeners, is known as the Broad-leaved Belleville (fig. 516), 

 the leaves of which are very large and luscious, and of a pleasantly acid 

 flavour. Other kinds are the Round-leaved Sorrel (R. scutatus), and the 

 Mountain Sorrel (R. montanus). A form of the last-named, called Maiden 

 or Dutch Sorrel, rarely flowers or seeds; it is now much grown in France. 

 Once established, it produces crops of fine leaves for several years. 



Southernwood (Artemisia Abrotanum). This is a fragrant shrubby 

 plant with finely cut grey-green leaves and small yellowish flowers. It 

 grows in almost any soil, damp or dry, and possesses medicinal properties 

 resembling those of the Wormwood. The leaves are sometimes used for 

 flavouring. 



Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). An aromatic European perennial, about 

 3 ft. high, with oval-oblong leaves deeply cut into very narrow segments, 



