MEDICINAL HERBS. 331 



All these species require a tenacious soil, which is all 

 the better if moist, or even wet. 



A border sheltered from the midday sun, but not 

 entirely secluded from its influence, is always to be 

 allotted them, as in such a situation they are most vigor- 

 ous and constant in production. 



They are readily propagated by dividing the roots in 

 the winter or spring, or by cuttings planted in moist soil 

 during Summer. Plant in rows nine inches apart each 

 way, and cover the roots about two inches deep. In 

 autumn clean off the old stems, and add two inches of 

 mould to the raked surface. Through the summer remove 

 grass and weeds. Make new beds every three or four 

 years. 



Rosemary, (Itosmarinua officinalis) is a Labiate-flow- 

 ered, hardy, evergreen undershrub, a native of the south 

 of Europe. It has a fragrant, grateful odor, and a warm, 

 aromatic, bitter taste. Its medicinal virtues are tonic. 



It was formerly believed that this plant gave strength 

 to the memory. The tender tops are the parts used in 

 medicine. 



Rosemary may be raised from seed, or by planting slips 

 or cuttings in the spring or autumn. Sow the seed in 

 drills sixteen inches apart. Transplant the next spring 

 or autumn. Two or three plants will be enough. 



Rue, (Ruta graveolens]) is a perennial evergreen under- 

 shrub of the Rue Family from the south of Europe. It 

 flowers all summer, and is very well known from its peculiar 

 strong, unpleasant smell. Its taste is bitter and pungent, 

 and the leaves so acrid as to blister the skin. It is a very 

 powerful medicinal agent, too much so to be generally 

 used in family practice. 



Rue is propagated by seeds, cuttings, or slips. It must 

 not have a very rich soil, nor be suffered to run to seed. 

 Sow the seed and cultivate as hyssop. 



