CHAPTER IX. 



OLERACEOUS PLANTS. 



Balm. Basil. Caraway. Coriander. Lavender. Marjoram. 

 Parsley. Rosemary. Sage. Savory. Spearmint. Thyme. 



BALM. 



Melissa qfficinalis. 



A HARDY, perennial plant, from the south of Europe. 

 The stalk is four-sided, branching, and from two to 

 three feet high ; leaves opposite, in pairs, ovate, toothed on 

 the borders ; the flowers are small, nearly white, pro- 

 duced in spikes, or clusters, at or near the top of the plant. 

 The seeds are quite small, and retain their variety two 

 years. 



Soil, Propagation, and Culture. Any warm, mellow, 

 garden soil is suited to its growth. It is generally propa- 

 gated by dividing the roots, which may be done either in 

 spring or in autumn. After thoroughly stirring the soil, set 

 the roots in rows fifteen inches apart, and a foot apart in the 

 rows. Under good management, the plants will soon com- 

 pletely cover the surface of the ground, and the bed will not 

 need renewal for many years. 



Gathering. If required for drying, the plants should be 

 cut as they come into flower, separating the stems at the 

 surface of the ground. They should not be exposed to the 

 sun in drying, but spread in an airy, shady place, and 

 allowed to dry gradually. The leaves, in their green state, 



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