Cresses 



365 



CRESS 



Cresses are grown for their piquant leaves, which are 

 used in salads and garnishings. There are three kinds of 

 cresses in somewhat common cultivation, belonging to 

 three genera, although they are all members of the Cru- 

 ciferae or mustard family. 



Water cress {NasfAirtium officinale) is a prostrate 

 perennial, with small, roundish leaves, thriving in very 

 moist places and in running water. It is readily propa- 

 gated by seeds, which may be scattered along cool 

 brooks, or by bits of the stems planted in the mud. In 

 order that it may reach its best development, the water 

 should be pure, cool, and clean. When once established 

 in a permanent place, it will persist indefinitely, taking 

 care of itself. When a natural brook is not to be had, 

 it may be grown in a moist, shady place in the garden 

 where it may be watered frequently. Sometimes it is 

 grown in the pit of an abandoned hotbed, into which 

 water may be run with a hose. If the ground is kept 

 moist, or even wet, the plant will thrive and it will not 

 be necessary to have it covered with water. The plant 

 is best grown, however, by being colonized along brook- 

 sides and about springs. 



The common garden cress {Lepidium sativum) is a 

 short-season annual. Fig. 109. It is a cool- weather 

 plant. Usually the leaves are not desired in the sum- 

 mer. Seeds may be sown as soon as the ground is fit in 

 the spring, for the plant is hardy or half-hardy. A 

 rather cool and rich soil is to be chosen, for the value of 

 the foliage will depend, to a large extent, on the vigor of 



