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DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



its wild state. The cultivated parsnip was, according to 

 Pliny, cultivated in Germany, from whence it was originally 

 brought to Eome. In this country it, as well as the carrot, 

 forms a useful winter vegetable. It is extensively culti- 

 vated in Jersey, and pigs fed on it make excellent pork ; it 

 contains sugar, and a wine is made from it called parsnip wine. 



Celery (Ajmim graveolens). A biennial, native of various 

 parts of England, and throughout Europe, also widely dis- 

 persed over the temperate regions of the Southern hemi- 

 sphere. In its wild state it is to a certain degree poisonous, 

 but under cultivation becomes a Avholesome salad and pot-herb. 



Parsley (Apinm Petroselinum). A biennial, originally 

 believed to be a native of Sardinia. It has become wild in 

 some parts of England, and is cultivated as a well-known 

 pot-herb. 



Caraway {Carum Carui). A biennial, native of Europe, 

 and has become wild in some parts of Britain. It is cul- 

 tivated in Essex and Kent for the sake of its seeds, which 

 are carminative, and used in confectionery, as well as for 

 flavouring spirits, and perfuming soaps. An oil is also ob- 

 tained from it which is used medicinally. 



Coriander {Coriandrum sativum). An annual, native of the 

 South of Europe, and, like the caraway, is cultivated in this 

 country for the sake of its aromatic seeds, which are used 

 in confectionery, and also for flavouring spirits. The so-called 

 seeds of caraway and coriander are, in reality, true fruits. 



Dill {Anethum graveolens). A biennial, native of Spain, 

 and other parts of Europe. It somewhat resembles fennel, 

 and is cultivated for the sake of its seeds, from which, by 

 distillation, dill-water is obtained. They are also used as a 

 condiment, and contain an essential and ethereal oil used in 

 medicine. The leaves of the plant are used for flavouring 

 soups and pickles. This is supposed to be the Anise of the 

 New Testament. 



Cummin [Cuminum sativum). An annual, with fennel- 

 like leaves, and seeds like the caraway, having an aromatic 

 but somewhat bitter flavour. It appears to have been early 



