128 WATER CRESS. 



One ounce of seed will be suiBeient for three sepa- 

 rate sowings. The last one should be made in some 

 shaded spot in the garden ; as it will do better, shel- 

 tered from the direct rays of the sun in Summer. 



The leaves should be cut for a Salad when young, 

 before they become rough. 



There are many varieties, but the Curled Cress 

 will be found best for cultivation. 



water-cress. 

 Sisymhrium nasturtium. 



"Water-Cress is a very common aquatic, creeping 

 plant, found in abundance along the edges of streams, 

 stagnant ponds, and old water-ditches in this coun- 

 try. Quiet, shallow water supplied from springs 

 affords the right conditions for its growth. A few 

 years ago I was in possession of four or five acres 

 of a fresh-water swamp, and at least one quarter of 

 the surface was covered with Water-Cress. It will 

 succeed best, however, when the roots are planted 

 along the edge of a shallow running stream, with a 

 sandy bottom. On a heavy clay bottom, it runs the 

 risk of being more or less injured in Winter. 



As it is a hardy perennial, when the roots are 

 once started along the nooks and corners of such a 

 stream, there can be a constant supply gathered from 

 year to year, for home or market, according to the 

 extent of the siirf ace. 



There is a brisk demand in market for Water- 

 Cress ; and when it first comes, early in the Springy 

 the prices range from fifty cents to one dollar per 



