182 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



from the young shoots, when a few inches in height. 

 A spot of rich ground should be selected for the 

 purpose, and planted in three or four-feet-wide 

 beds, at a few inches apart. Such plantations are 

 for cutting green and drying. If for the latter, the - 

 plants must be advanced in growth till they are nearly 

 in full flower, when they are to be cut, and the stalks 

 laid out thinly in some dry shady place, where they 

 may dry leisurely. When found of sufficient crisp- 

 ness, they may be either tied up in bunches or put 

 in paper bags (which is the better method to keep 

 them from dust), and laid in some dry place till 

 wanted. 



As green mint is a desirable herb in the course 

 of the winter, and more particularly on the first 

 appearance of lamb, the roots may be taken up in 

 open weather, and planted either on a moderate 

 hot-bed or in pots or boxes. Where there is the 

 conveniency of a hot-house, they will require but 

 little trouble : if this is not to be had, a slight hot- 

 bed must be made about two feet thick, of well- 

 prepared dung, enough for one or two lights, about 

 the end of November, or earlier if required. As 

 soon as the heat has risen, moujd should be laid on 

 the next day to the depth of six or eight inches. 

 The bed being properly levelled,, tl^e roots may be 

 laid on the surface^ and covered with, an inch or 

 two of good light mould ; a good watering is then 

 to be given, which will wash the earth round the 

 roots; afterwards a little mould strewed over the 

 whole will finish the work. The lights should be 

 kept close till the appearance of the plants, when a 

 little air must be given, to sweeten the bed. I*x 



