388 GARDENING FOB, THE SOUTH. 



the seed-bed that are not nicely curled. If they grow too 

 rank in summer, cut them near the collar. 



A bed six feet long by four feet wide is large enough for 

 almost any family. It is best to appropriate to it such a 

 bed, where it will sow itself and yield a constant succes- 

 sion of new plants. The plants should have the stems cut 

 down, if growing rank, three or four weeks before heavy 

 frosts are expected, that fresh growth may be thrown up 

 for winter and early spring use. It is well to protect the 

 plants with a little coarse litter in cold climates, but this 

 is not necessary south of Virginia. 



To Save Seeds. — Allow some of the finest curled plants 

 to throw up seed-stalks; let them stand eighteen inches 

 apart; when the seed ripens it may be stored in a dry 

 place. It will keep good several years, and it is singular 

 that seed four years old will come up more quickly than 

 that gathered six months before sowing. 



Use. — Farsley is a very agreeable and useful plant, 

 affording a beautiful garnish. It is also used for its 

 aromatic properties in seasoning soups, stews and meats. 

 The green leaves eaten raw diminish the unpleasant smell 

 of the breath after eating leeks and onions. It can be 

 dried in summer, pounded fine, and put away in bottles; 

 but this is of no use in mild climates, where fresh green 

 parsley can be had all winter from the garden. 



PARSNIP.— ( Past inarm saliva.) 



This is a hardy, biennial, Umbelliferous plant, of which 

 the wild variety is found in various parts of Europe, and 

 it is not rare in this country as a weed. It has long been 

 cultivated. In its wild state, it is said to have poisonous 

 properties; but it is rendered by cultivation SAveet, pala- 

 table, and very nutritious for man and beast. The garden 

 parsnips have smooth and light-green leaves, while those 

 of the wild variety are dark-green and hairy; but the two 



