i 



BALM 



21 



I flowers few, in small clusters ; calyx covered with fine soft hairs; 

 seeds brown. Their germinating power lasts for four years. The 

 leaves and all the green parts of the plant exhale a very agreeable 

 and penetrating aromatic odour, especially when bruised. This 

 plant is of very easy culture in England. It is increased by 

 dividing the clumps in autumn, winter, or spring. Like most of 

 the herbs that come from South Europe, it enjoys warm positions, 

 but grows anywhere. 



Uses. — The leaves are much used for seasoning, and especially 



I in the manufacture of liqueurs and scents. 



I BASIL 



I Ocymum BasilicuiHy L. Labiatce. 



French, Basilic grand, Herbe royale. German, Basilikum. Flemish, Basilik. Danish, 

 I Basilikum. Jtalian, Basilico. Spanish, Albaca, Albahaca. Porhiguese, Manjericao. 



A native of India. — Annual. — Stem about i ft. high, very 

 branching ; leaves green ; flowers white, in whorled leafy clusters 

 seeds small, black, covered with a mucila- 

 ginous substance, which swells in water 

 like Flax-seed. Their germinating power 

 lasts for eight years. 



Culture. — As this plant is a native 

 of warm countries, the best way is to sow 

 the seed in a hot-bed in March or April. 

 The seedlings are planted out in May, in 

 the open air, on a warm border. All kinds 

 of Basil are easily grown in pots. In 

 England, Sweet Basil seeds should be 

 sown about the middle of April, in a 

 genial temperature, and when the seed- 

 lings are large enough to handle, they 

 may be potted off singly, or they may be Basil (|- natural size), 

 pricked into boxes or seed-pans, or into 



a frame on a slight bottom heat, from which they should be trans- 

 ferred to their positions in the open air about the beginning of 

 June. Owing to the plant being very tender, this can seldom be 

 done with safety at an earlier period. Sweet Basil succeeds best 

 in a light, rich soil, in which the plants should grow at a distance 

 of 6 or 8 in. apart, and should be well watered until they become 

 established. As soon as they come into bloom they should be cut 

 down to within a few inches of the ground, and the portion cut off 

 should be tied up in small bunches and dried in the shade for winter 

 use. As, however, green Basil is frequently required, the plants 

 which have been cut down should have the soil surrounding them 

 slightly stirred up, and the bed given a surface-dressing of fresh 



