CRESS — BASIL. 



235 



leaves be carefuliy picked early in the morning, washed 

 and drained before sent to the table, and provide salt, 

 oil, sugar, and vinegar, that each person may season to his 

 taste. The finer salads require hard-boiled eggs, mustard, 

 and other spices, &c. 



Lepidum Sativum — Oresis. 



Cress, or»" Peppergrass," as the best variety has been 

 named from its pungent flavor, has been cultivated in Eng- 

 land since 1548, being probably a native of Persia or 

 Cyprus. 



Culture. — Cress likes a light, moist mould, and in sum- 

 mer a shady border is to be preferred. It is propagated 

 from seed which, to keep up a succession of young and 

 tender plants, must be sown every week or two. Give it 

 rich earth that it may grow rapidly. It is best when an 

 inch high, but is generally allowed to get two or three 

 before cropping. Begin to sow in February, in the open 

 ground, in drills six or eight inches apart ; cover lightly, 

 and pat over the bed with the back of the spade to press 

 the earth upon the seed. Keep the ground clear, and 

 water in dry weather. It can be had all winter by the use 

 of the cold frame or hot bed, and in the latter case can be 

 grown fit for use in forty-eight hours; give plenty of air. 

 A few rows left uncut will produce seed abundantly. 



Use. — The young and tender leaves give to salads a 

 warm, pungent, and agreeable taste. It is generally used 

 in connection with lettuce and other salads. 



Ocymum — Basil. 

 Ocymum Basilicum, Sweet Basil, and Ocymum Minimuvi, 

 Bush Basil, are the names of the two species in cultivation. 

 Both are annuals and natives of the East Indies, with 

 small leaves and small white flowers. Sweet basil is the 



