100 THE HERB-GARDEN 



with Camomile and Lavender ; these should be cut 

 just before the flowers are open. 



Advice given by the oldest of our Herbalists 

 and that of the most modern are in absolute agree- 

 ment. Both shall be given. 



To begin with the oldest : ' Gather Herbs when 

 the sap is full in the top of them. Such Herbs as 

 you intend to gather for drying, to keep for use all 

 the winter, do it about Lammas-tide ; dry them in 

 the shade that the sun draw not out their vertue, 

 but in a clear air and breezy wind, that no musti- 

 ness may taint them.' 



The following is the counsel given in the Summer 

 Catalogue of one of our leading florists : 



' The Basils, Marjorams, Sage, Savorys, and 

 Thyme are in constant demand for drying. The 

 proper time to gather herbs is just when they are 

 mature. They must be dried in the shade, and 

 should then be loosely placed in paper bags (labelled) 

 for use during winter.' 



We agree with the above except about the 

 paper bags. We find that once the Herbs are dry 

 enough to crumble it is better to pour them into 

 wide-necked bottles, which should be securely 

 corked. They keep better in this way than in 

 bags, look neater, and are more handy for the 



