BALM- HOREHOUND. 



295 



them, as in such a situation they are most vigorous and 

 constant in production. 



They are readily propagated by dividing the roots in 

 the winter or spring, or by cuttings planted in moist soil 

 during summer. 



The only after culture required, is an occasional sl'ght 

 manuring, and the destruction of weeds. 



New beds should be made as often as once in four years. 



Melissa Officinalis — Balm. 



A hardy perennial, native of Switzerland and the South 

 of Trance, but has long been cultivated in gardens. It 

 has an aromatic taste, and a grateful fragrant smell, a little 

 like lemons. 



■ It is a square-stemmed plant, rising about two feet high. 

 It is used in making balm-tea, a grateful drink in fevers, 

 and for forming a pleasant beverage called balm wine. 

 The infusion promotes perspiration, and is thought good 

 for complaints produced by a disordered nervous system. 

 Balm is a great favorite with the bees. 



Any garden soil will do for balm. It is readily propa- 

 gated either by slips, or by parting the roots in spring. 

 Plant ten inches apart, giving water if dry weather. 



Marrubium Vulgare — Horehound. 



A perennial plant, a native of most parts of Europe, 

 growing in waste grounds among rubbish in warm dry 

 situations. It has a strong aromatic smell, and a bitter, 

 pungent taste, which is permanent in the mouth; medici- 

 nally, horehound is a tonic, somewhat stimulant and diuretic, 

 and in large doses laxative. It is useful in asthma and 

 jaundice, and is a favorite remedy in pulmonary complaints.. 



Obstinate catarrhs have been cured by taking the ex- 



