288 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENtR. 



first which attracted the attention of man in an uncivilized state. The nJmble 

 tailor, early May, or double -blossomed frame, is one of our best and earliest peas. 

 It was imported from Holland in 1814. The pea, as an article of food, possesses 

 great interest ; the peasantry of Scotland make meal of it, of which they prepare a 

 wholesome and nutritious bread. 



Purslane, — Portulw a olcracca, (Linn.) — belongs to the class and order Dode- 

 candria Monogynla, and to the natural order Portulacecp. Is a native of South Ame- 

 rica, and introduced in 1G52. It is used in salads, and sometimes pickled. There 

 are two varieties in cultivation, the green and yellow, or golden. By some they are 

 made two distinct species, under the names oi Portulaca oleracea and Porttdara 

 sativa. 



Radish, — Haphanns sativus, (Linn.) — belongs to the class and order Tetradynatnia 

 siliquosn, and to the natural order Crucifcra: Is a native of China, and mentioned 

 by Gerrard, in 15S4. There are several varieties in cultivation, and are divided into 

 spring, autumn, and winter kinds. The following is from the Transactions of the 

 Horticultural Society : — 



The Spring and Summer hinds are, the " scarlet, or salmon-coloured, and its sub- 

 varieties. — Short-topped scarlet, and early frame scarlet ; which are the two sorts 

 generally cultivated. Purple ; an early sort, of good flavour, but at present neg- 

 lected. Long white ; the original variety, cultivated in Gerrard's time, white semi- 

 transparent and delicate :" these are long sorts. The turnip sorts are, the "white; 

 root globular, like a turnip. Early white ; a sub-variety. The pirfk ; rose-coloured, 

 scarlet, and crimson, are names applicable to one sort which approaches to the pear- 

 shape." 



The Autumn Icitids are, " White Russian ; the root larger than any of the long- 

 rooted kinds, white, tapering like a carrot, flavour nutty, like that of the rampion. 

 Yellow turnip ; root large, ovate, yellow, or dusky-brown, and rough without, 

 but the flesh white. Round brown ; root large, shape irregular, externally matted 

 \^hh greenish brown, and the flesh soft, and of a greenish white." 



The IFinter kinds are, " White Spanish ; root large, oval, outside white tinged 

 with green, flesh hot, firm, solid, and white. Oblong brown ; root middle-sized, 

 pear-shaped, outside coat rough and brown, marked with white circles ; flesh hot, 

 firm, solid, and white, plant very hardy. Black Spanish ; root large, irregularly pear- 

 shaped, rough and black externally, and the flesh hot, firm, solid, and white ; very 

 hardy. Purple Spanish ; a sub-variety of the black, with a purple skin." 



The roots are nmch esteemed as a salad, and are the only part of the plant gene- 

 rally used in a raw state. The pods are pickled, and considered a substitute for 

 capers. Sometimes the tender tops are used along with other small salads ; and 

 they were anciently boiled, when full grown, and used as greens. The long-rooted 

 are best for principal crops, although for variety, the turnip sorts are also sown 

 during the whole of the summer. The Spanish may be stored for winter use, among 

 sand or otherwise, with other winter roots. 



Ramtiox, — Campanula Rapiinciilus, (Linn.) — belongs to the class and order Pen- 

 tandria Monogynia, and to the natural order Campanulaca:. Is a native of England, 

 though not much cultivated. The roots are like a radish, and have a nutty flavour, 

 which, with the leaves, are the parts used in spring salads. 



Rape, — Brassica Napus, (Linn. \:\v. olcifera of DecandoUc) — belongs to the class 

 and order Tctradynamia SiUquosa, and natural order of Crucifcrir. Is a native of 

 Britain, and found in corn-fields and cultivated places. The young seed-leaves ga- 

 thered, are used with mustard and cress, in salads. It is much used in agriculture. 



Savory, — Saturcja, (LAm.) — belongs to the class ami order Didynamia Gymnos- 

 permia, and natural order Lahinta, There are two species cultivated : the — 



