158 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



from Calends the Latin for the first day of every 

 month, because it continues a long time in flower. 

 The marygold is a native of the south of Europe, 

 and is said to have been cultivated in this country 

 prior to the year 1573. 



Numerous medical virtues were formerly attri- 

 buted to this herb, which have now lost their credit. 

 It is principally used in the form of tea, and is 

 sometimes given in agues ; and the author has 

 known instances where it has succeeded in alleviat- 

 ing that distressing complaint. The florets of the 

 ray are the parts used for culinary purposes ; they 

 are boiled in broths and soups ; and by many the 

 flavour of them is much admired. In Holland, 

 large quantities of the flowers are annually dried 

 for soups and broths, and sold in the shops at the 

 rate of a penny per bunch. They are greatly 

 esteemed by all ranks of persons in that country. 



From the many plots of ground that may be seen 

 planted with marygolds in the vicinity of London, 

 their cultivation in this country seems upon the 

 increase. The author once saw a considerable piece 

 of ground near London covered with these plants. 

 They were then in full blossom, and formed a most 

 brilliant spectacle, resembling a sheet of spangled 

 gold : the ground was exactly suited for them, 

 being light, sandy, and not too rich. 



Culture. Few culinary vegetables require less 

 aid in their culture than the pot marygold, as it will 

 propagate itself by seed for years, even if the ground 

 is frequently disturbed ; but it has been remarked 

 that the flowers from self sown seed, in the same 

 spot, for a length of time, are not so large and 



