448 GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



virtue, but the double-flowered is most cultivated, from 

 its greater productiveness. 



Clary (Salvia sclarea) is a Labiate-flowered biennial 

 from Italy. The leaves of this plant were formerly used 

 in soups, and its flowers are now made use of in a fer- 

 mented wine. 



The medicinal virtues of the plant are cordial and as- 

 tringent, and it is used either in its fresh or dried state. 

 For propagation and culture, see Sage, which belongs 

 to the same genus. Clary, however, must be yearly re- 

 newed by fresh sowing. Thin the plants to fifteen inches 

 apart each way. 



Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an Umbelliferous 

 annual from the East, and also grows naturally in the 

 south of Europe. Some like its tender leaves for soups 

 and salads, but it is raised mostly for its seeds, which 

 have a pleasant aromatic taste, though the smell is dis- 

 agreeable. Coriander seed is carminative and stomachic. 

 It is often used to disguise the taste of medicines, but it 

 is principally employed in confectionery. 



Sow the seed in spring or autumn, where they are to 

 remain, in drills twelve inches apart. Thin the plants to 

 four inches, and keep free from weeds. 



Dill (Anethum graveolens) belongs to the same genus 

 with Fennel, and is a biennial, Umbelliferous plant, a 

 native of Southern Europe, cultivated for its seeds, which 

 have an aromatic odor, and a warm, pungent and some- 

 what bitter taste. Medicinally, they are good for flatu- 

 lence and colic in infants. The leaves are sometimes used 

 for culinary purposes, and the seeds are occasionally 

 added to pickled cucumbers to heighten the flavor. 



Sow the seeds either early in the spring, or soon after 

 they are ripe, in a light soil. Thin, if crowded, and keep 

 clean. The plants should be eight inches apart. 



