670 



PRACTICE OF GARDENING. 



PART III. 



leaves to spread into full growth, when they will be fit for use the same year, and in continuation through 

 winter until the following spring and summer. 



4148. To save teed. In the spring, allot some old plants to run up into stalk : these will yield ripe seed in 

 autumn. 



SUBSECT. 4. Mint. Mentha, L. Didy. Gymnos. L. and Labiate, J. Menthe, Fr. ; 

 Mi'mze, Ger. ; and Erba Santa Maria, Ital. (Jig. 472.) 



4149. Of mint there are several species cultivated in gardens ; all of them indigenous 

 perennials. The principal are 



4150. The pej^rmint (M. piperita, L.), (Eng. Bot. 687.) (a). This species may 

 readily be distinguished by its subcamphorated 



odor, and blackish-purple flowers, which appear 

 in August and September. It is found in watery 

 places. 



4151. Use. Almost entirely for distillation, for 

 which it is extensively cultivated in low, rich, 

 soft, marshy lands, especially such as can be 

 irrigated or flooded. 



4152. The spearmint (M. viridis, L.), (Eng. Hot. 

 2424.) (6). This sort rises from two to three feet 

 high, with sessile, lanceolate, naked leaves; the 

 whole plant has a reddish-green hue ; is occasion- 

 ally found in marshy situations, and flowers in Au- 

 gust. There is a narrow and a broad-leaved variety. 



4153. Use. The young leaves and tops are 

 used in spring salads, and form an ingredient in 

 soups ; they are also employed to give flavor to 



certain dishes, as peas, &c., being boiled for a time, and then withdrawn in the manner 

 of garlic. 



4154. The pennyroyal-mint (M. pidegium L.), (Eng. Bot. 1206.) (c) Pouliot, Fr. ; 

 Poley, Ger ; and Puleggio, Ital. ; is a trailing plant with small, smooth, ovate leaves. It 

 is indigenous in watery pastures, and places subject to inundations. It flowers in Sep- 

 tember. 



4155. Use. In different branches of cookery, and also for distilling pennyroyal-water. 



4156. Culture. All " the species are raised by the same methods, viz. by parting the roots, by offset 

 young plants, and by cuttings of the stalks." By the roots. This is performed in spring or autumn. Hav- 

 ing some full roots from any established beds, divide them as expedient ; and drawing drills with a hoe, 

 about two inches deep, and six inches asunder, place the roots in the drills, moderately close, and earth 

 them over to an equal depth. By offsets in the spring. Procure these from established plants, and dibble 

 them, in rows, six inches asunder. By cuttings of the young stalks in May, June, or advanced summer. 

 Taking the opportunity of showery weather, cut them into lengths of five or six inches ; and plant the 

 cuttings by dibble, six inches apart, inserted half way into the earth. 



4157. Soil. Spearmint and peppermint like a moist soil ; pennyroyal a strong loam. 



4158. Subsequent culture. " Propagated in any of the above methods, the plants set in spring or sum- 

 mer will come into use the same year. Water new plants till they take root Keep them clean from 

 weeds. At the end of autumn, cut away any remaining stems ; at which season, or in spring, spread a 

 little loose earth thinly over the beds." 



4159. Taking the crop. " For culinary use, or salads, gather both when the young green tops are from 

 one inch to six inches in length, and in their advanced growth, throughout the summer. When nearly 

 full grown in June, July, or August, or beginning to flower, gather a store for winter. Spread the heads 

 thinly in some dry place, shaded from the sun, to be well dried : then, tied in bunches, house the store. 

 When designed for distilling, let them attain full growth, coming into flower ; then cut, and use the heads 

 immediately. The peppermint, being principally used for distilling, and such of the pennyroyal as is 

 wanted for the same purpose, should stand till they begin to flower ; being then in highest perfection. 

 Cut in dry weather and tie in bunches, and carry under cover, ready for immediate use. Cut full-grown 

 stalks close to the bottom." 



4160. New plantation. " All the species continue by the roots many years ; but when the plants shoot 

 dwindling, or weakly, make a fresh plantation in time." 



4161. Forcing spear mint. " Mint, in a young green state, may be obtained all winter, and early in 

 spring, by planting some roots in a gentle hot-bed, or in pots or shallow pans, to be plunged therein. 

 Plant the roots pretty thickly, and earth over an inch and a half deep ; or some roots, thus planted in 

 pots or boxes, may be placed in a stove. Plant for succession every three weeks, as forced roots soon decay. 

 In order to have young leaves and tops all the summer, cut down some advanced stalks every month, 

 when new shoots will be thrown up ; and to have dried balm for the winter, permit others to complete 

 their growth, and come into blossom. These last are to be cut as soon as the dew is off in the morning, 

 for in the afternoon, and especially during bright sunshine, the odor of the plant is found to be much di- 

 minished. Dry the crop thus gathered in the shade, and afterwards keep it in small bundles, compactly 

 pressed down, and covered with white paper. By the common mode of hanging up mint and other herbs 

 in loose bundles, the odor soon escapes. The mint having a travelling root, the bed soon becomes co- 

 vered, so as not to admit of further culture ; hence, after four or five years' standing, a fresh plantation 

 will require to be made." 



SUBSECT. 5. Marjoram. Origanum, L. Didy. Gymnos, L. and Labiate. J. Mar- 

 jolaine, Fr ; Marjoran, Ger. ; and Maggiorana, Ital. 



4162. Of marjoram four different species are cultivated; the pot, sweet, winter, 

 and common. 



4163. Pot-marjoram is the 0. Onites, L. (Bocc. Mus. t. 38.) ; a hardy perennial un- 

 der-shrub, a native of Sicily ^introduced in 1759. The stem rises more than a foot high, 



