VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 377 



che ground meal with vinegar or lukewarm water. If 

 mixed with boiling water the acrid principle will not be de- 

 veloped. 



NASTURTIUM, or INDIAN CRESS. 



(Tropaolum ma jus and T. minus.) 



There are two species — the Large Nasturtium (T. 

 majus) and the small Nasturtium (7 T . mimes) — both from 

 Peru, where they are perennials, but are here treated as 

 annuals. The large species was introduced into England 

 in 1681. The stalks are long and trailing; the leaves have 

 their petioles fixed at the center. Flowers helmet-shaped, 

 of a rich, brilliant orange, and continue from their first 

 appearance all summer; and if not so common would be 

 thought very beautiful. The small sort is preferable for 

 the garden, being productive and needing no support. 



Culture. — Nasturtiums flourish in a moist soil, but do 

 best in a good, fresh loaiu. If the soil is too rich the plants 

 are luxuriant, but do not bear so abundantly, and the 

 fruit is of inferior flavor. Give them an open situation. 

 Sow in spring when the ground gets warm; put the seeds 

 an inch deep and four inches apart, covering them three- 

 fourths of an inch. The seed must be of the preceding 

 year's growth. They may be sow T n by the side of a fence 

 or trellis. If more than one row is sown, they should be at 

 least four feet apart. Thin the plants, when they are well 

 up, to a foot in the drill. Hoe the ground well, and keep 

 down the weeds. If sown in the open ground, support 

 them as you would peas with lattice or brush. Give the 

 plants a little assistance in fastening themselves to the 

 trellis. Water in dry weather. Gather the fruit when 

 full grown, but while still fresh and green. 



For Feed. — Let some of the berries mature, gather them 

 as they ripen, spread them to dry and harden, and store 

 in paper bags. 



