ARTICHOKE. 



229 



For best results the artichoke requires exceedingly rich soil. It 

 can be grown from the seed, although this is seldom attempted, 

 but it is customary to grow it by planting the small tubers whole 

 or cut the large tubers in the same way as potatoes. They 

 should be planted about four inches deep at twelve inch intervals 

 in rows three feet apart. They are used chiefly for feeding 

 stock and are often harvested by turning hogs into the field. 

 They will frequently remain in the land many years even if not 

 cultivated. They are easily injured by frost when not covered 

 with earth but in the ground they are perfectly hardy. 



GLOBE ARTICHOKE. (Cynara scolymus.) 

 Native of Barbary and South Europe. — Perennial. — A large 

 thistle-like plant growing two to three feet high, producing large 

 flower heads, the scales of which are large and thick, and are 

 highly esteemed as a garden vegetable in England and Southern 

 Europe. It has, however, never become popular in this country 

 and is rarely grown. In Southern Europe it is grown by divisions 

 and there are many varieties. It may also be grown from seed, 

 but seedlings are generally very much inlerior to the best named 

 sorts. The roots must be very carefully protected in order to 

 bring them through our winters. 



GARDEN HERBS. 



Under this head are grouped a number of sweet culinary and 

 medicinal plants that are cultivated to some extent in gardens. 

 They are generally easily grown in mellow, open soil. Those 

 having foliage that is esteemed for its aroma should generally 

 be cut on a dry day, just as they reach full flowering stage, and 

 should be dried quickly in the shade. As a rule, herbs should be 

 cut before being frozen, though freezing does not always injure 

 them. When dry they should be kept in dry air-tight boxes or 

 vessels. The demand is very limited for most of them. Only a 

 few of the most common kinds are referred to here. In the ex- 

 treme northern states, many of the perennial kinds will kill out 

 in severe winters unless protected. 



THE MINT FAMILY. (Order Labiatae.) 

 The Mint Family includes little other than herbs (with few 

 exceptions) which have aromatic herbage, square stems, op- 



