MEDICINAL HERBS. 323 



set them in rows two feet apart each way. Though the 

 plant is only a biennial, yet by cutting down the seed- 

 stalk whenever it rises, the same plant may be preserved 

 several seasons. Angelica likes a moist, cool soil, such as 

 the banks of ditches. 



Anise, (PimpineUa anisum,) is an Umbelliferous an 

 nual, a native of Egypt. It is cultivated for its seeds, 

 and its leaves, which are occasionally used as a garnish, 

 and for seasoning like fennel. The seeds have a fragrant, 

 agreeable smell, and a sweetish, pleasant taste. They are 

 useful wherever an aromatic stimulant is required. 



The plant grows about 18 inches high. Sow the seed 

 where it is to stand in spring, in a dry, light soil, and thin 

 out the plants, if too thick, to three or four inches apart. 



Balm, (Melissa officmalisj) is a hardy, Labiate-flowered 

 perennial, native of Switzerland and the south of France, 

 but has long been cultivated in gardens. It has an aro- 

 matic taste, and a grateful, fragrant smell, a little like 

 lemons. 



It is a square-stemmed plant, rising about two feet high. 

 It is used in making balm tea, a grateful drink in fevers, 

 and for forming a pleasant beverage called balm wine. 

 It is a great favorite with the bees. 



Any garden soil will do for balm. It is readily propa- 

 gated either by slips, or by parting the roots in spring. 

 Plant ten inches apart, giving water if dry weather. 



Bcnc, (Sesamiim orientalej) is an annual plant, and 

 a native of Africa and India, Introduced into this coun- 

 try by the negroes. It grows from three to six feet high, 

 bearing numerous pods, filled with smallish seed. These 

 are used for food in many parts of the world, and are also 

 cultivated for the oil with which they abound. It resem- 

 bles that of olives, and is nearly as good. The leaves abound 

 in mucilage ; one or two stirred in a half pint of water 

 will form a bland mucilaginous drink very useful in cholera 



