IN DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND THE ARTS. 453 



cultivated chiefly for the odour of its flowers, which is obtain- 

 ed by distillation. It yields an oil, which is employed in some 

 of the arts. It is a perennial plant and easily cultivated. It 

 may be propagated from seed; but slips taken off in the spring, 

 and planted in good moist ground in the shade, are generally 

 preferred by cultivators. When planted out, it should be in 

 rows, three feet apart, and two feet distant in the rows, and 

 kept free of weeds. If seed be used, sow in a garden in spring, 

 and the plants may be transplanted in the following fall or 

 spring. In the second season they will yield a few flowers 

 the fourth year a full crop after which they will continue 

 productive from five to seven years. 



Various other species of the mint family, as Sage, Mar- 

 joram, Thyme, Wormwood, Savory, and Peppermint, valued 

 on account of their tonic or aromatic properties, are culti- 

 vated in the same manner and for similar purposes. Being 

 usually smaller plants they should be planted closer; but to 

 have much flavour, the soil must be dry and calcareous. The 

 mints are in general creeping rooted perennials. 



CHAMOiMILE. 



Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, familiar to all as a medicinal 

 herb of great value, is a creeping perennial. It only requires 

 to be planted on a poor soil. It may be propagated from seeds; 

 but the parting of the roots is considered the best method. The 

 flowers are used in medicine, and find mostly a ready sale in 

 the shops. They should be gathered before they begin to 

 fade, and dried in a gentle sun or in the shade, and then put 

 by in paper bags, in a dry place, for use or for sale. 



