328 GARDENING FOE THE SOUTH. 



bed. Water them freely, if the weather is dry. Keep 

 the plants free from weeds, which is all the cultivation 

 required. If the seed is not desired, the stems should be 

 cut down as often as they run up ; for if allowed to ripen 

 seed, the old plants will last but a few years. But this is 

 of little consequence, as plenty of self-sown seedlings will 

 be ready to take their place. Eight or ten roots are 

 enough for any family. It should be kept within proper 

 limits, as it is much inclined to spread. 



Use. Fennel is a good deal used, in continental Europe, 

 in soups, fish-sauces, garnishes, and salads. It is also con- 

 siderably used in England, but less with us. The Italians 

 blanch and eat the stalks of one variety called Finochie, 

 like celery. A little fennel seed sometimes gives an agree- 

 able variety in flavoring apple-sauce and pies. But it is 

 most used medicinally. The seeds are carminative and 

 stimulant, and in an infusion are excellent for the flatulent 

 colic of infants. 



Ilorchound 3 (Marrubium vulgare]) is a hardy, Labiate- 

 flowered, perennial plant, a native of most parts of Europe, 

 growing in waste grounds, among rubbish, in warm, dry 

 situations. It has a strong aromatic smell, and a bitter, 

 pungent taste, which is permanent in the mouth ; medici- 

 nally, horehound is a tonic, somewhat stimulant and diu- 

 retic, and, in large doses, laxative. It enters largely into 

 the composition of cough syrups and lozenges. 



Sow the seeds in the spring, in any common soil. It 

 scarcely needs any attention. It may also be propagated 

 by dividing the roots. Plant eighteen inches apart. 



Hyssop^ (Hyssopus officinalis^ is a Labiate-flowered, 

 hardy, evergreen imdershrub, from the south of Europe, 

 of which the leaves and flower-spikes are the parts used 

 medicinally. It has an aromatic odor, and a warm, pun- 

 gent taste. It is stimulant and expectorant. 



Hyssop is propagated by slips, or dividing the roots, or 



