288 CONDIMENTS AND SEASONING HERBS 



Rue; "Herb of Grace." (Ruta graveolens. Rutaceae). A 

 small under-shrub with glaucous greyish leaves, commonly grown 

 in gardens in Europe. The leaves have an unpleasant smell and 

 a hot bitter taste ; they are sometimes used for garnishing, but 

 more frequently in medicine on account of their carminative pro- 

 perties. The plant grows well in shaded spots at medium eleva- 

 tions, but does best in the Hills. Propagated from seed or cuttings. 



Sage. (Salvia offidnalis. Labiatae ). This well-known 

 seasoning plant is successfully cultivated in Hill gardens in the 

 Tropics. It will also succeed fairly well at intermediate elevations 

 by sowing seed at the end of October or early in November. 

 Though usually propagated by seed, it may also be raised by 

 cuttings. The plant is a small evergreen shrub, native of South 

 Europe, and thrives best in light rich soil. 



Samphire. (Crittinu n maritimum. Umbellifereae). A small, 

 sea-coast perennial, native of Europe, sometimes cultivated for its 

 leaves, which are used in salads, also as a seasoning and for pick- 

 ling vinegar. The plant requires a light sandy soil and a moist 

 situation. Sprinkling it occasionally with salt water is said to 

 encourage its growth. 



Savory, Summer. (Satureia hortensis. Labiatae). An annual, 

 native of Italy, frequently cultivated in gardens in Europe as a 

 seasoning herb. The whole plant is aromatic, and the tops are 

 used for flavouring salads and soups ; they are also boiled along 

 with peas, beans, etc. Though well suited to Hill gardens in the 

 tropics, the plant is seldom grown in Ceylon. Propagated from 

 seed or by crown division. 



Savory, Winter. (Satureia montana). A small, evergreen 

 shrub, native of South Europe, often grown for seasoning purposes. 

 Cultivation the same as for Summer-savory. Propagated from 

 seed or by division of the crowns. 



Shallots. See under Temperate or Sub-tropical Vegetables. 

 Sweet Basil. See Basil 



Tarragon. (Artemisia Dracuuculciis. Composihe). A small 

 perennial, native of Siberia, cultivated for its aromatic leaves ; 

 these and the young tops are used in salads and soups, being also 

 pickled with cucumbers; an infusion of them forms the much- 

 esteemed Tarragon-wine, also Tarragon vinegar. The plant re- 

 quires a light free soil, and is generally propagated by division of 

 the roots. It does not seem to be well-known in the Hill gardens 



