148 



GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



exceed 60°. It is propagated by division of tlie root an 

 more rarely by seed. It is worthy of trial here. 



Artemisia Dracunculus — Taer agon. 



This is a perennial plant, a native of Siberia. It 

 belongs to the same genus as the wormwood, but its frag- 

 rant smell and warm aromatic taste have introduced it 

 into the kitchen garden. There is but one variety culti- 

 vated. 



Culture. — This plant does not require a rich soil, and as 

 it is a native of a cold climate, it is best to give it a bleak 

 winter exposure. Poor dry earth is necessary to perfect 

 its flavor. Tarragon is propagated by seed, slips, cuttings 

 and parting of the root. The latter is the easiest mode 

 and most generally practised. It may be planted in Feb- 

 ruary, the plants being ten inches apart. Give a little 

 water in dry weather until they are rooted. As they run 

 up, if seed is not desired, cut doAvn the seed stalks and 

 they will shoot up afresh. Keep them free from weeds. 

 It has been cultivated here with success. 



Use. — Tarragon is used in salads to correct the coldness 

 of other herbs. Its leaves are excellent pickled or for 

 flavoring vinegar to be used for fish sauces or with horse- 

 radish for beef steaks. 



Asparagus Officinalis — Asparagus. 



This plant has been cultivated as a garden vegetable, 

 for at least two thousand years. Cato, 150 years before 

 Christ, gives a full detail of its mode of culture among the 

 Romans. Its culture originated probably in Greece, for 

 its name is pure Greek, and signifies a bud not fully opened; 

 and it is known throughout Europe, by names derived or 

 corrupted from the Greek. 



