76 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



will last three or four years, after which period it 

 should be renewed by dividing the roots. 



17. CORN SALAD. VALERIANELLA. 



The botanic name of this plant is derived from 

 the Latin word valeo, to be powerful or efficacious, 

 in allusion to the many virtues of the plant. It is 

 a native of this country and other parts of Europe. 

 In France and Italy it is dressed like spinage ; and 

 we have lately, from the latter country, had a 

 superior variety introduced, the leaves being of a 

 thicker consistence, and having a milder flavour 

 and a more robust growth than our native kinds. 

 This plant has also the name of lamb's lettuce, 

 from being formerly in much repute as an early 

 green feed for lambs. At present its principal use 

 is for spring salads, to which the improved sort 

 gives an agreeable taste and flavour. 



Culture. The corn salad is annual ; the seed 

 should be sown as soon as it is ripe, early in the 

 month of August, otherwise it often remains a year 

 in the ground before it vegetates. 



The seed should be sown on a warm spot, either 

 in shallow drills six inches apart, or on a bed broad- 

 cast ; when the plants are well up, they should be 

 thinned out to the distance of three or four inches 

 from each other. When wanted for use, it is better 

 to pick the leaves than to cut them. 



