INDIAN CRESS. 123 



the sticks or roots of horse radish may be taken 

 up entire and sound. When all wanted are up, 

 not forgetting a stove for the winter, the ground 

 should again be filled in, and, from the roots so 

 cut, there will rise some fine sticks the next year, 

 and for some years after ; those also not likely to 

 be wanted should be cut down, as advised for the 

 young plantation, by which a constant supply of 

 fine young roots is always at hand, and far su- 

 perior to the old knotty roots in common use ; for 

 after a certain age they become tough, and have a 

 disagreeable bitterish taste. In spring, a little rich 

 earth spread over the bed will benefit the plants ; 

 and as the leaves decay in the autumn, let them be 

 raked off with a wooden rake. 



Whenever more of the roots are taken up at a 

 time than are wanted, they may be preserved in a 

 juicy state for some time, by putting them in a little 

 moist sand, under cover. 



25. INDIAN CRESS. TROP^OLUM. 



The botanic name Tropceolum is derived from 

 a Latin word signifying a warlike trophy. This 

 fanciful name was chosen by Linnaeus, because he 

 conceived the shield-like leaves of the Tropseolum, 

 and its brilliant flowers, shaped like golden hel- 

 mets, pierced through and through and stained 

 with blood, might easily originate such an idea. 

 The common name of Nasturtium was given in 

 reference to the cress-like flavour of the herbage. 



The Indian cress, more generally known by the 

 name of Nasturtium^ is a native of Peru, whence 



