324< PHYSICAL HERBS. 



5. BORAGE. BORAGO. 



This herb is said to have originated from Aleppo ; 

 but is now naturalised in many parts of Europe. It 

 is a hardy annual, and easily cultivated, from sowing 

 the seeds in April, which come up without any 

 care. 



Borage was formerly cultivated in our gardens, 

 on account of the supposed cordial virtues of its 

 flowers ; but they have long lost their reputation. 

 In Italy its young and tender leaves are in common 

 use, both as a pot-herb and a salad. In France its 

 flowers, with those of nasturtium, are put into salads 

 as an ornament. In England it is now nearly 

 neglected ; but the flowers and upper leaves are 

 sometimes used as an ingredient in that summer 

 beverage composed of wine, water, lemon-juice, 

 and sugar, called a cool tankard, to which they 

 seem to give an additional .coolness. 



6. CARAWAY. CARUM. 



A native of many countries in the northern parts 

 of Europe ; it is also found growing, apparently 

 wild, in many parts of England. It is biennial, and 

 propagated by sowing the seeds in spring. 



The seeds of this plant are well known to have 

 a pleasant spicy smell, and a warm aromatic taste ; 

 and on that account they are much used as a com- 

 mon ingredient in cakes, and are encrusted in sugar 

 for comfits : they are also distilled with spirituous 

 liquors, to improve their flavour. The tender leaves 

 in the spring are sometimes boiled in soups. 



