462 
stored in sand for use; or if there is a large 
quantity, they may be kept in pits like Potatoes. 
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)—A hardy 
annual, native of South Europe. It is culti- 
vated in the kitchen-garden for its flowers, 
which are put into soups. 
It is raised from seeds sown in March or 
April, in shallow drills 1 foot apart. When 
the seedlings are 3 inches high they should be 
thinned out to 1 foot apart. They flower in 
June, and continue flowering till September. 
The flowers may be gathered when full-blown, 
dried in the shade, and stored for winter and 
spring use. 
Marjoram (Origanum).—The aromatic leaves 
are used both green and dried for seasoning 
soups and other dishes. The leafy shoots should 
be cut when coming into flower, and dried in 
the shade, for winter and spring use. 
Four species are cultivated :— 
Common Marjoram (Origanum vulgare).—A perennial, | 
native of Britain, growing naturally in thickets. It may 
be raised from seeds sown in spring, or by parting the | 
roots in spring or autumn. 
that is not very moist. 
Plant 1 foot apart in any soil 
Pot Marjoram (Origanum Onites).—A perennial, native 
of Sicily. It flowers from July to November, but seldom 
ripens seeds in England. It is propagated by dividing 
the roots in March or April, or by slips or cuttings taken 
off in summer and planted in a frame or under a hand- 
glass. It prefers a ight and rather dry soil and a warm 
situation, and should be planted in rows 1 foot apart. 
Sweet or Knotted Marjoram (Origanum Majorana).— 
A tender biennial, native of Egypt. In this country it 
will not stand the winter in the open ground ; it is there- 
fore raised annually from seeds, sown broadcast on a 
south border in the beginning of April. Or it may be 
sown in shallow drills 9 inches apart, thinning out when 
the plants are about 2 inches high to 6 inches asunder in 
the rows. 
hot-bed, either to remain for early use, or to be planted 
out at the above distances. 
The flowers appear in June and July, and are collected 
into roundish close heads, resembling knots, from which | 
circumstances it is frequently called knotted Marjoram. 
The seeds seldom ripen in Britain. 
Winter Sweet Marjoram (Origanum heracleoticum).— 
A hardy perennial, native of South Europe. The flowers 
appear from June to November. It succeeds best in 
a dry soil, and is propagated by dividmg the roots in 
spring or autumn, and planting the divisions 10 inches 
apart in rows 18 inches asunder 
Mint.—Three species of this are cultivated 
for economic purposes, namely, Spear-mint, 
Peppermint, and Pennyroyal. 
SPEAR-MINT (Mentha viridis).—A hardy peren- 
nial, native of Europe, including Britain. The 
tops are used in soups and salads, in-sauce for 
Some may also be sown in March, on a slight | 
THE GARDENER’S ASSISTANT. 
lamb, and boiled with Peas and other vegetables. — 
It prefers a moist soil, but will grow in almost 
any soil and situation. It is easily propagated 
by dividing the roots, or by offsets, in spring; 
also by cuttings about 6 inches long, taken off 
in summer, planted about 3 inches deep, and 
watered till they take root. In winter the old 
stems should be cut down, and the beds cleaned 
and covered with mould to the depth of 2 inches. 
In some soils, fresh plantations require to be 
made every three or four years; in others, only 
after the lapse of several years. When the 
plants are coming into flower, a quantity of 
tops should be cut and dried in the shade, or 
in a screen before the fire, for use in winter. 
A supply of green Mint may be had all 
_through the winter by removing some roots 
to a warm frame, planting them in light soil. 
They should be exposed to sun and air in mild 
| weather. 
PENNYROYAL (Mentha Pulegium).——A hardy - 
perennial, a native of Europe, including Britain. 
| It succeeds best in a moist loamy soil, and is 
easily propagated by offsets, or by dividing the 
roots in September, March, or April. Plant in 
rows | foot asunder, and 6 inches from plant to 
plant in the row, and water at planting. 
PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita).— A hardy 
perennial, a native of Europe, including Britain. 
It is principally cultivated for. the distillation 
of the well-known cordial that bears its name. 
It requires the same soil and treatment as the 
preceding species, and is propagated in the same 
way. 
Morel (MJorchella esculenta) (fig. 1219).—An 
edible fungus found growing in orchards, woods, 
and moist pastures. It is said to occur most 
abundantly in places where wood has been 
burned, or charcoal made. It grows to about 
4 inches in height, and consists of a smooth 
white cylindrical stem, and a hollow spherical 
cap adhering to the stem by its base; pale- 
brown or gray in colour, and marked with deep 
pits all over its surface. The Morel is used 
either fresh or in a dried state, in gravies, 
stews, &c. It usually makes its appearance in 
spring or early in summer. It»should not be 
gathered when wet, otherwise it will not keep 
well. It has not as yet been subjected to culti- 
vation, but it is probable that if Morels com- 
mencing to decay, and the soil about them, were 
collected, and placed under different circum- 
stances of soil, heat, and moisture, the attempt 
might prove successful, and a proper mode of 
cultivation be arrived at. . ee wed 
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