310 GARDENING FOB THE SOUTH. 



It is cultivated somewhat near Charleston, and along 

 the coast, and is perfectly hardy here, and probably near 

 the coast as far north as Washington. The foliage is 

 quite striking. 



Culture. It may be planted in any rich, well-drained, 

 low spot. Select the eyes or buds, and plant like the 

 potato. The small roots are the ones generally reserved 

 for this purpose. There are two distinct kinds, named 

 from their color the pink and the blue, of which the latter 

 is thought by many to be the most farinaceous, but others 

 prefer the taste of the pink variety. The sets may be 

 put out in March or early in April, and the most attention 

 required is to keep the soil clean and mellow. The rows 

 may be three or four feet apart, and the plants two feet in 

 the rows. It comes to maturity the autumn after plant- 

 ing, and may remain in the bed until wanted. It keeps 

 better than either the sweet or Irish potato. It is pre- 

 pared for the table by simple roasting, and eaten with 

 salt. By many they are much liked, as they are quite 

 farinaceous. 



TARRAGON, (Artemisia Dracunculus.) 



This is a perennial plant, of the same genus as the 

 wormwood, but its fragrant smell and warm aromatic 

 taste have introduced it into the kitchen garden. 



Culture. This plant does not require a rich soil, and as 

 it is a native of a cold climate, it is best to give it a bleak 

 winter exposure. Poor, dry earth is necessary to perfect 

 its flavor. Tarragon is propagated by seed, slips, cut- 

 tings and parting of the root. The latter is the easiest 

 mode and most generally practiced. It may be planted 

 in early spring, the plants being ten inches apart. Give 



