236 



GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



species most cultivated, and was introduced into England 

 in 1548. 



Cultiire. — Basil likes a rich, liglit soil, free from shade. 

 The plants may be started early in March, under glass, 

 and transplanted when of sufficient size where they are 

 to remain. Basil is rather difficult to transplant, but can 

 be carefully lifted in tufts with the balls of earth attached, 

 in a moist time, with complete success ; give water until 

 established. They can also be sown on the borders where 

 they are to remain, but if sown too early in the open air, 

 the seed is apt to rot or the young plants to be killed by 

 frost as they are rather tender. April is the month for sowing 

 in the open ground. Do not cover the seed deeply, but 

 press the earth upon it. Make the rows ten inches apart, 

 and thin the Sweet basil to ten inches and the Bush to five 

 inches in the row. Weeds must be kept under and the 

 soil mellow by frequent hoeing. Basil also makes a very 

 pretty edging. It should be cut not too closely just as it 

 comes into flower and hung up in small bundles in the 

 shade to dry for winter use ; thus cut it will soon grow up 

 again. When thoroughly dried it may be pounded 

 fine and kept any length of time in closely stopped 

 bottles. 



*Seci. — Let some of the finest plants remain uncut and 

 gather the seed as they ripen. 



Use. — The leaves and small tops are the parts employed 

 and give a delightful flavor in cookery. They have a 

 strong flavor of cloves, and are much used in soups and 

 sauces, and other high seasoned dishes. They are much 

 employed in French cookery. 



A small sprig of basil, on account of its odor, is an agree- 

 able addition to a bouc[uet of flowers. It is the most 

 agreeable of the pot herbs and the most useful .ifter 

 parsley and tagv'.. 



