SP^RTUM, 



51 



Spanish Broom Spartium junceum. 



retaining the scanty vegetable earth, which is thinly 

 spread over the hills, and which the equinoctial 

 storms would otherwise wash away. When culti- 

 vated it is readily raised from seed, which is sown in 

 the high ground. There the plants are left for three 

 years, at the end of which time the sprigs or young 

 shoots are fit for use. January is considered the most 

 favourable time for sowing, the ground having pre- 

 viously received a slight preparation. The young 

 plants are cut in August : they are spread out to dry, 

 and then beaten with wooden mallets. After being 

 immersed in water for a few hours, they are conveyed 

 to a shallow pit made for the purpose, and are there 



