142 buist's family kitchen gardener. 



HYSSOP. 



Hyssopus officinalis. — Hysope^ Fr. — Isop^ Ger. 



A NATIVE of the south of Europe, and must have been known 

 among the ancients. This plant, being perennial, is easily 

 propagated, by sowing the seeds in a border of light mould, in 

 the Spring season, or by slips, and cutting and parting the 

 roots. The whole plant has a strong aromatic scent, and the 

 leaves and flowers are of a warm, pungent taste ; they are some- 

 times reduced to powder and used with cold salad herbs. 

 Hyssop has the general virtues ascribed to aromatics, and is 

 recommended in asthmas, coughs, and other disorders of the 

 lungs. The young leafy shoots and flower-spikes are usually 

 employed, being cut as they are wanted. The flower st^ems 

 may be cut during the Summer, and tied up in bunches for 

 use. 



LAVENDER. 



Lavandula Spica. — Lavande, Fr. — Spiklavendel, Ger. 



Is a very hardy plant, and a native of the south of Europe. 

 It may be readily increased by planting slips or cuttings of 

 the young shoots in the Spring. The common Lavender has 

 been cultivated for ages past. The fragrant smell of the 

 flower is well known, and to most persons is very agreeable ; 

 to the taste it is bitterish, warm, and somewhat pungent ; the 

 leaves are weaker, and less grateful. The flowers are often 

 employed as a perfume, and medicinally as mild stimulants and 

 corroborants, in several complaints, both internally and exter- 

 nally. They are also sometimes used in the form of a conserve 



