322 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



Italy. It was first introduced into English cultivation 

 in the year 1562. 



MARJORAM Origanum. The common marjoram, 

 or Origanum vulgar e, is a native of Britain ; it is a 

 perennial under-shrub, growing among copsewood in 

 calcareous soils. The leaves are small and acute. 

 The flowers are slightly red, and appear in July and 

 August, in smooth clustered spikes. The winter mar- 

 joram (Origanum heracleolicum) very much resem- 

 bles the above species in appearance ; but it is of a 

 more aromatic flavour, and is always used in pre- 

 ference. It is indigenous to Greece, whence it was 

 introduced into this country in 1640. A sheltered, 

 dry situation is most favourable to its growth. The 

 seeds of this, and of the two following species, seldom 

 come to maturity in England. Winter marjoram is, 

 therefore, usually propagated by cuttings. Sweet 

 marjoram, Origanum majorana, was an inhabitant of 

 the English garden about seventy years prior to the 

 first cultivation in this country of the above species. 

 It is a biennial, having its flowers growing in close 

 knotted-like heads. As soon as it blossoms, this plant 

 is cut and dried for winter use ; it must be renewed 

 by seed annually, for which purpose the seed is im- 

 ported from France and Italy into England. Pot 

 marjoram, Origanum oniles, was not introduced into 

 English cultivation until the middle of the last century. 

 It is a hardy perennial, with a hairy stem, rising to 

 more than a foot high ; it blooms from July to Novem- 

 ber, and is usually propagated by cuttings. 



BASIL Ocymmn is rich in aroma, its odour and 

 pungency being very similar to those of cloves. It 

 is a favourite herb among French cooks, as giving 

 an additional zest to highly-seasoned dishes. The 

 leaves in small quantities are sometimes mixed in 

 salads, or are made a flavouring ingredient in soups. 



