214 OLERACEOUS PLANTS. 



Soil and Cultivation. Caraway is one of the hardiest 

 of plants, and succeeds well in almost any soil or situation. 

 In the coldest parts of the United States, and even in the 

 Canadas, it is naturalized to such an extent about fields and 

 mowing-lands, as to be obtained in great abundance for the 

 mere labor of cutting up the plants as the ripening of the 

 seeds takes place. 



When cultivated, the sowing may be made in April or 

 May ; but, if sown just after ripening, the seeds, not only 

 vegetate with greater certainty, but the plants often flower 

 the ensuing season, thus saving a summer's growth. Sow in 

 drills twelve or fifteen inches apart, cover half an inch deep, 

 and, when the plants are well up, thin to six or eight inches 

 apart. 



Use. It is principally cultivated for its seeds, which con- 

 stitute an article of some commercial importance ; a large 

 proportion, however, of the consumption in this country is 

 supplied by importation from Europe. They are exten- 

 sively employed by confectioners, and for distillation. They 

 are also mixed in cake, and, by the Dutch, introduced into 

 cheese. 



It is sometimes cultivated for its young leaves, which are 

 used in soups and salads, or as a pot-herb, like Parsley. 

 The roots are boiled in the manner of the Carrot or Parsnip, 

 and by some are preferred to these vegetables, the flavor 

 being considered pleasant and delicate. 



There are no described varieties. 



CORIANDER Law. 



Coriandrum sativum. 



A hardy annual, supposed to have been introduced from 

 the south of Europe, but now naturalized in almost all tem- 

 perate climates where it has once been cultivated. 



