134 VEGECULTURE 



suits it best ; but the plant is very accommodating, and will 

 thrive in most gardens. It is of annual duration, and the 

 seeds are the only part used. 



BALM (Melissa officinalis). This is a perennial herb, growing 

 eighteen inches high, branching and spreading in habit, with 

 very green leaves, which are aromatic, and used principally 

 in the manufacture of scents and liqueurs, as well as for season- 

 ing certain dishes. Although seeds are sown, Balm is best 

 propagated by dividing the clumps almost at any time of 

 the year except in very hot weather. This herb will grow in 

 any position, but, coming to us from Southern Europe, it 

 naturally prefers a warm border. Its culture is almost negligible. 



BASIL (Ocymum basilicum). A member of the same family 

 as Balm (the Labiatae), this herb forms an ornamental little 

 bush about one foot in height, producing a wealth of neat spikes 

 of white flowers. The best method of culture is to sow the 

 seeds on a hotbed in March or April, under glass, and plant out 

 the seedlings in May ; or previous to this the seedlings may be 

 pricked out into pots or boxes, and grown on for a time, being 

 afterwards planted out in June. The plants are very tender, 

 being natives of a warm climate. Plenty of room should be 

 given, as well as a light, rich soil, and moisture should be 

 liberally provided. Although the stems are cut down and 

 dried in the usual manner, green shoots may be encouraged by 

 hoeing around the plants after gathering the stems, until the 

 winter approaches, when some of these shoots may be lifted, 

 planted in pots or boxes, and placed under glass to furnish a 

 winter supply. This is a very aromatic plant, and the leaves 

 are used in perfumes and seasonings. There are two distinct 

 variations termed respectively Sweet and Bush Basil. The 

 flowers are worthy of a place amongst other occupants of the 

 floral quarters, and the plants make an agreeable addition to 

 our garden perfumes. 



BORAGE (Borago officinalis). As a floral subject, Borage is 

 not to be despised, its splendid spikes of bright blue flowers 

 being very showy. It is native to the shores of the Mediter- 

 ranean, grows about one foot high, and has become naturalized 

 in England as a wildling. No particular culture is required, 

 and it will grow anywhere and on any waste spot. Seeds are 

 sown at any time from spring to autumn, and the plant grows 



