218 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



frames, as already mentioned, or by mats ; the bed 

 being previously arched over with hoops, and the co- 

 vering regulated by the weather, which in some seasons 

 may require an extra covering of fern or litter ; for 

 as it is the nature of the common parsley to keep 

 growing (when not checked by frost) the whole 

 year, its protection is an object of paramount im- 

 portance. The author in early life gained much 

 credit for his ingenuity, and many a smile from the 

 cook on presenting her in severe frost and snow 

 with fine fresh curled parsley, wherewith to relish 

 her soups and decorate her dishes. 



42. PARSNIP. PASTINAC A SATIVA. 



The botanic name, Pastinaca, was given to this 

 root from its nourishing and other good qualities : 

 that of sativa has often before occurred in this work. 



The parsnip is a native of this country ; but im- 

 proved by cultivation. It is a biennial, as most 

 sap-rooted vegetable plants are ; and though indi- 

 genous in England, it has been found in a natural 

 state in other countries of the south of Europe, and 

 there cultivated long before it was in use in this 

 country. 



Parsnips contain a very considerable portion of 

 sugar, and are more nourishing than carrots or 

 turnips. 



Marmalade, made with parsnips and a small 

 quantity of sugar, excites appetite ; and is said to be 

 a very proper food for convalescents, 



Wine made from these roots approaches nearer 

 to the malmsey of Madeira and the Canaries than 



