192 SALAD PLANTS. 



HORSE-RADISH. 



Cochlearia armoracia. Nasturtium armoracia. 



Horse-radish is a hardy perennial, introduced from Europe, 

 and growing naturally along old roads, and about gardens 

 and waste places in long-settled towns. The root is white 

 within and without, long, nearly cylindrical, and from an 

 inch to two inches and a half in diameter ; the flowers are 

 white, and are put forth in June ; the seed-pods are globular, 

 but are very rarely formed, the flowers being usually abor- 

 tive. 



There are no varieties. 



Soil, Propagation, and Culture. Horse-radish will not 

 thrive in dry, gravelly soil ; neither will it succeed well where 

 the subsoil is of a hard, clayey character. The finest roots 

 are obtained from a deep, naturally rich, meHow soil ; and it 

 is only in such situations that the yield will repay the cost 

 of planting and cultivation. 



It is always propagated by planting the crowns of the 

 roots, which may be set either in spring or autumn. Trench 

 the ground eighteen inches or two feet deep, and set the 

 crowns or leading buds of old roots (cut off about three 

 inches in length) in rows eighteen inches apart, and nine 

 inches from each other in the rows ; cover six inches deep, 

 and cultivate in the usual manner during the summer. The 

 shoots will soon make their appearance, and the large leaves 

 of the plant completely occupy the surface of the bed. After 

 two seasons' growth, the roots will be fit for use. 



Taking the Crop. Its season of use is from October till 

 May ; and, whenever the ground is open, the table may be 

 supplied directly from the garden. 



For winter use, take up the requisite quantity of roots in 

 November, pack them in moist sand or earth, and store in 

 the cellar, or in any situation out of reach of frost. 



