124 



MY GARDEN. 



has anything to do with the disease. I believe the aphis is the first 

 aggressor, and that the fungus follows (see Fungi and Insects). 



In foreign, countries the curious fruit of the Egg plant {Solanum 

 escukntum, fig. i8i) is freely sold in the markets. In this country it is 



Fic iSi.— Solanum esailciitum. 



seldom if ever used. The white variety is a peculiarly interesting and 

 curious plant, but the purple is more commonly employed as a vegetal. 



HERBS AND AROMATIC PLANTS. 



Several plants are grown for their aromatic properties, such as Mint 

 (Mentha), which contains an essential oil. The common Mint (fig. 182) 

 is propagated by division : it likes a loose soil. We never force it, 

 but if required early it can be raised by placing a pot full of roots 

 in a warm house. Its essential oil is used in medicine for flavouring. 



We grow the Pennyroyal (fig, 183), but with us it is not a plant 

 which is ever used. 



We cultivate the Peppermint {Mentha Piperita, fig. 1 84) as a curiosity, 

 but really have no use for it. Over our district it is grown in very large 

 quantities for medicinal purposes. It is distilled about the middle of 

 August, and the essential oil produced is the finest in the world, and is 

 called oil of peppermint of Mitcham. When the distillation is being 

 carried on, the air is full of the odour. It is replanted every year, a 

 single shoot being dibbed in a hole, and many acres are cultivated 

 with this plant. Honey made in our district has a distinct flavour 



