78 



THE HERB-GARDEN 



churches were strewn with sweet and bitter herbs — 

 a pleasant, wholesome fashion — Mints were among 

 the favourites for the purpose. 



The cultivation of Mints is very simple. All of 

 them like plenty of moisture, except Corn-Mint, 

 which is accustomed to dry fields, and Cat-Mint, 

 which grows anywhere. Spear Mint, the kitchen 

 and most useful sort, is liable to be attacked by 

 rust, so it is a wise precaution to have several 

 beds of it placed at some distance from each other. 

 Provided Mint is properly nourished at the root, 

 it will not want frequent watering ; but if not well 

 fed, the roots will be stunted, the stems wiry, and 

 the leaves small. In autumn the old growths 

 should be cut close to the ground. To have really 

 good Mint it must be transplanted every third 

 year, or, failing that, a good top dressing of rich 

 soil must be added. Roots may be divided and 

 the plants re-arranged either in spring or autumn. 

 Green Mint is often asked for in early spring, and 

 it is a good plan to provide this by putting a few 

 outside runners into pots, and placing them in 

 bottom heat. Strangely enough, in quite good 

 gardens there is often a dearth of Mint just when 

 wanted ; but what a disgrace to buy a Herb so 

 easily cultivated ! 



