SALAD 
147 CROPS 
scattering seeds along the brookside, or by 
planting bits of stems in the mud. When once 
established it will care for itself, and gives the 
grower no trouble. Although it does best 
along the sides of running streams, water-cress 
will grow anywhere if it can get moisture enough, 
even though not covered with water. Any 
moist, shady garden spot will do, if it is fre- 
quently watered, and gardeners often use aban- 
doned hot-bed pits, where the hose can be turned 
on the plants daily. 
Two women made a nice profit by sending 
fine water-cress, packed in oiled paper and card- 
board boxes, to select customers by mail. 
Common garden cress is a cool-weather, short- 
season annual, whose seeds may be sown early 
in the spring in a cool, rich soil, as its whole 
value as a salad plant depends upon its quick, 
vigorous growth. The plant runs quickly to 
seed in hot weather, or if left in the ground until 
late in the season. It is easily grown in pots or 
boxes in the house in winter; or, if wanted for 
fall use, the seeds may be sown in late summer 
and in early fall. Under ordinary conditions, 
the leaves are ready for use about six to eight 
weeks after seed is sown. There are a number 
of varieties of the garden cress; the sort with 
curled leaves being most in demand. It is not 
