SALADS AND HERBS 133 



manner of growth is very peculiar, the swollen stems over- 

 lapping one another in fish-scale fashion. The culture consists 

 mainly in vigorously stirring the soil around the plants, and a 

 plentiful supply of water. Seeds are offered by several seeds- 

 men in this county. 



EDIBLE BURDOCK or GOBO (Lappa edulia), a native of 

 Japan ; EVENING PRIMROSE ((Enothera biennis) (see page 

 44) , a very well-known plant of the flower-border ; and 

 GOLDEN THISTLE (Scolymus hispanicus), are three long-rooted 

 herb-plants that are used as vegetables. The three root- 

 formations are very similar, requiring nearly identical culture ; 

 but before they can be seriously reckoned among the more 

 useful vegetables, the roots will have to be greatly improved 

 by cultivation. These plants are not to be recommended, 

 except for experiment and improvement by culture. 



SKIRRET. (See Tuberous-rooted Vegetables Section, pages 

 60, 61). CAPSICUM. (See Vegetable- Fruits Section, page 102). 



PART III. FLAVOURING HERBS 



ANGELICA (Angelica officinalis). This herb, an Alpine 

 subject, is a perennial, having four-feet stems with three-feet 

 leaves and umbels of small flowers. The plant requires a rich, 

 moist, deep soil. Seed is sown in spring in nursery-beds, and 

 the seedlings are planted out later on. The following year 

 the leaves may be cut and used ; and the third year, when 

 the plants run to seed, they are removed from the ground and 

 a fresh plantation made. Both the stems and leaves are pre- 

 served in sugar, and make an excellent confection ; while 

 the root is used in medicine and the seeds in the manufacture 

 of certain liqueurs. A most useful plant for any garden ! 



ANISE (Pimpinella anisum). Found in a wild state in Greece, 

 Egypt, and parts of Asia Minor, Anise is well-known for its 

 perfumed and delicately-flavoured seeds, used in sweet con- 

 fections and as a medicine. Resembling Celery in its foliage 

 at the base of the fifteen-inch stem, the upper leaves being 

 more finely divided, Anise grows rapidly from seed sown in 

 April, and is of most easy culture. A well-drained, warm soiJ 



