CHIVES. 129 



basket holding only three quarts. It would be diffi- 

 cult, indeed, to estimate the value of an acre, even 

 at twenty cents a quart. 



"What reaches the market now is principally gath- 

 ered from many sources by Germans, who, even col- 

 lecting it in this way, in small lots, find it a profit- 

 able business. 



Water-Cress comes into full bearing the second 

 year from the time of setting out the roots. It can 

 be propagated and a bed started by sowing the seed 

 where it is wanted to grow permanently. But this 

 method is not as reliable as growing the plants in a 

 seed-bed, and then transplanting them along the edge 

 of the water-course, about ten or twelve inches apart. 

 Hoots may be taken up from some stream or pond, 

 when found growing, to form a new bed. In gath- 

 ering it for table use or market, it should always be 

 cut, and not pulled ; the latter way disturbs and 

 injures the roots. Two ounces of seed will give 

 enough plants to suppy a large family. 



There are three well-known varieties, but the 

 Laegb Beown-leaved is the best for this climate. 



Water-Cress is frequently served as a breakfast 

 Salad. It is very popular, having a peculiar pun- 

 gent taste, that most people are fond of in a Salad. 



cnrvBS, OK orvES. 



AlUwm schmnoprasv/m. 



This is a hardy perennial bulb — a species of 

 Onion. Permanent beds of Chives are usually 

 found in well-stocked kitchen-gardens. They grow 



