258 GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



gathered as it ripens from a root or two left uncut for the 

 purpose. 



Use. — The leaves of these herbs are much employed in 

 soups, salads, stuffings, &c., on account of their agreeable 

 pungent flavor. They are also said to possess the desira- 

 ble power of " expelling fleas from a bed." Formerly, they 

 were much used in medicine. Gather when they come into 

 bloom and dry for winter use in the sliade, pound in a 

 mortar, pass through a sieve, and put up in bottles closely 

 stopped and they will retain their fragrance any length 

 of time. 



Scandix Ce'refolium — Chervil. 



An annual plant, a native of Southern Europe, with 

 finely divided leaves somewhat resembling parsley. For- 

 merly it was much cultivated. 



It is propagated from seed and should be sown in the 

 autumn or in February and March. Make the drills very 

 shallow and nine inches apart, and cover lightly with the 

 back of the rake. When the leaves are three or four 

 inches high they are fit for use. Keep them closely cut 

 and they will afford a succession for some time. Keep 

 the soil light and free from weeds, and let a few shoots 

 remain uncut to run up to seed. 



Use. — The young leaves have a milder flavor than 

 parsley and are used in soups and salads, and also boiled. 

 " Chervil should be eaten " says an old writer, " with oil 

 and vinegar, being first boiled, which is very good for old 

 people that are dull and without courage ; it rejoiceth 

 and comforteth the heart and increaseth the strength." 

 It is now nearly out of use, and seldom cultivated. 



ScoTzonera Uispanica—Sco'RZONE'RA. 

 Scorzenera is a hardy tap-rooted perennial, a native of 

 Spain, Italy, and the South of France, and cultivated in 



