298 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES 



grown from seed in a seed-box or can be multiplied by stem cut- 

 tings in a sand box over mild bottom heat. 



CHERVIL. Scandix ccrefolium and Charophyllum bulbosum. 



There are two edible plants known as chervil, the first fur- 

 nishes fragrant leaves which are used as seasoning and in salad, 

 the second an edible root for boiling. The first is a hardy annual, 

 and can be grown from seed, as lettuce is sowing whenever 

 moisture is adequate. It does not thrive in high heat but can be 

 helped by shading when necessary. The turnip-rooted chervil re- 

 sembles a carrot in form, and may be grown as carrots are. The 

 seed soon loses its germinating power and must be fresh. 



CORN SALADS. Valerianella olitoria and eriocarpa. 



Corn salads are popular winter growing salad plants, and are 

 of easy culture. The seed is sown whenever moisture is present in 

 the fall, and a succession of foliage can be had all through the 

 rainy season. The culture is the same as for lettuce. The plant 

 also resembles lettuce ; we have some varieties of open growth and 

 some which are disposed to form somewhat compact heads of 

 foliage. In this state both the French and Italian improved kinds are 

 hardy in California valley winters. 



CRESS. Lepidium sativum, and WATER CRESS. Nasturtium 



officinale. 



Garden cress is easily grown all the year in the coast region 

 if the ground is kept moist. The seed should be sown at short 

 intervals, as the leaves come on very quickly. In the interior it is 

 chiefly a winter plant, as summer heat checks leaf growth and 

 carries the plant to seed. Water cress has grown freely in Cali- 

 fornia ponds and pools, and was found in such places by our earlier 

 botanists. In California it makes very rank growth, producing 

 stems five and six feet high and proportionate luxuriance of leaf 

 growth. It usually volunteers freely wherever water stands, filling 

 road-side ditches and similar places. All that is needed is to pre- 

 pare a place suitable for its growth. 



DANDELION. Leontodon taraxacum. 



This plant has been widely introduced on the moister lands 

 throughout the state, and is used for salad and for boiling, as it 



