VEGETABLK.1 DESCRIPTION AXD CULTURE. 267 



plants ten inches in the drill, in a good deep soil, and is 

 otherwise managed like carrots. 



Neapolitan Parsley. The seeds are sown in early spring, 

 and when the young plants are four inches high, they are 

 planted out in rows or shallow trenches two feet apart, 

 and the plants nine inches in the row. They are otherwise 

 treated like celery, but need less moisture. 



To save Seeds. Allow some of the finest curled plants 

 to throw up seed-stalks ; let them stand eighteen inches 

 apart ; when the seed ripens it may be stored in a dry 

 place. It will keep good several years, and it is singular 

 that seed four years old will come up more quickly than 

 that gathered six months before sowing. 



Use. Parsley is a very agreeable and useful plant, 

 affording a beautiful garnish. It is also used for its aro- 

 matic properties in seasoning soups, stews, and meats. 

 The green leaves eaten raw diminish the unpleasant smell 

 of the breath after eating leeks and onions. It can be 

 dried in summer, pounded fine, and put away in bottles ; 

 but this is of no use in mild climates, where fresh, green 

 parsley can be had all winter from the garden. 



PARSNIP. (Pastinacea sativa.) 



This is a hardy, biennial, Umbelliferous plant, of which 

 the wild variety is found in various parts of Europe, and 

 it is not rare in this country as a weed. It has long been 

 cultivated. In its wild state, it is said to have poisonous 

 properties; but it is rendered by cultivation sweet, pala- 

 table, and very nutritious for man and beast. The garden 

 parsnips have smooth and light-green leaves, while those 

 of the wild variety are dark-green and hairy ; but the two 



