20G the amateur’s kitchen garden. 
desired to keep them for several years, the flower-stems must 
be pinched out as soon as they are visible in spring. 
Anise, Traqium anisum . — A half-hardy annual, used for 
garnishing or seasoning. Sow on the sunniest part of the 
border, in the first week of May, where it is to remain. The 
plants should be thinned, when up, to six inches apart. If 
seeds are wanted, it is best to purchase them, as they seldom 
ripen properly in this country. 
Balm, Melissa officinalis . — This is a general favourite in 
the country, i'or its grateful lemon-like odour, and the re- 
freshing drink which is prepared from it for the sick. It is 
a coarse-looking plant, growing two or three feet high. It 
will grow in any soil, but best in poor clayey stuff. Seed may 
be sown in April or May, but a quicker method is to obtain 
plants and part them. If Required in any quantity the plants 
should be divided in September, and the pieces planted two 
feet apart. 
Sweet Basil, Ocymum basilicum . — Bush Basil is 0 . mini- 
mum. Both are tender plants requiring to be raised annually 
from seeds. To secure early supplies, the seeds should be 
sown on a hot-bed in March, and the plants should have the 
care usually bestowed on tender annuals, and be planted out 
at the end of May, on light rich soil. If there are no con- 
veniences for raising plants under glass, sow the first week in 
May on a sunny bank, and the plants will appear in the early 
part of June. Basil is used in soups and salads, and some 
prefer it to flavour peas instead of mint. If strong plants 
are put out at the end of May, seed may be obtained in 
September, but seed imported from Italy is far better than 
can be ripened in England. 
Borage, Bor ago officinalis .■ — A rough-leaved rustic annual, 
producing the most lovely blue flowers. Sow in March, April, 
May, June, and September, to have a succession. The young 
tops have the flavour of cucumber, and are used in the pre- 
paration of a “ cool tankard.” In case of a scarcity of 
summer vegetables, the young leaves may be cooked as spi- 
nach. Bees are very fond of the flowers, and a rough piece 
of ground, not wanted for any particular purpose, might be 
sown all over with borage, both for the bees, and to give a 
cheerful air to what might otherwise be quite a waste. 
Bugloss, Anckusa officinalis . — This is a rather coarse plant, 
with blue flowers in a cluster at the summit. The poorer the 
