HERBSHORSE-RADISH 61 



and certain others are grown from seed, in some cases of necessity, 

 and in others because it is the easiest way of insuring a crop. They 

 nearly all agree in requiring a dry soil and a sunny situation. Mint 

 and Angelica need a moist soil, but the majority of the aromatic 

 herbs make a better growth on a somewhat poor, sandy soil, than in 

 the rich moist borders that prevail in the kitchen garden. Happily 

 they are not very particular, but sunshine they must have for the 

 manufacture of their fragrant essences. Generally speaking, it will 

 be best to sow the seeds in March or April on a fine surface, where 

 the plants are to remain. A border marked off in drills across at one 

 foot apart will answer very well, because as the plants rise they can 

 be thinned out to suit their several habits, and the thinnings of those 

 wanted in quantity may be planted out elsewhere. To thin in good 

 time, to keep clear of weeds, to plant as needs suggest, and to allow 

 every sort sufficient space for development these are the main points 

 in the management of the Herb Garden. 



HORSE-RADISH 



( Cochlearia Armoracia) 



THIS vegetable is highly prized as a condiment to roast beef, but as 

 a rule it is badly grown. The common practice is to consign it to 

 some neglected corner of the garden, where it struggles for existence, 

 and produces sticks which are almost worthless for the table. In the 

 same space a plentiful supply of large handsome sticks may be grown 

 with as little trouble as Carrots or Parsnips. Choose for the crop a 

 piece of good open ground, and in preparing it place a heavy dressing 

 of rotten manure quite at the bottom of each trench. Early in the 

 year select young straight roots from eight to twelve inches long, each 

 having a single crown, and plant them one foot apart each way. By 

 the following autumn these will become large succulent sticks, which 

 will put to shame the ugly striplings grown under starving conditions. 

 The roots may be dug as required ; but we do not advocate that 

 method. It is better practice to clear the whole bed at once, and 

 store the produce in sand for use when wanted. This plan should 

 be repeated each year, and a fresh piece of land ought always to be 

 found for the crop. 



