346 
CULTURE AND PROPAGATION OE HERBS. 
son were stung by a scorpion on the same day that he had eaten ba¬ 
sil, he could not possibly survive. Diodorous thought that the eat¬ 
ing of it would breed insects in the body. The Romans, according 
to Pliny, sowed the seeds with many bitter curses, treading them 
down with their feet, and praying to the gods that the seed might 
not vegetate, believing firmly that the more they were cursed, the 
better they would prosper. Many of the Roman physicians consi¬ 
dered this herb to be valuable in medicine. Galen, a Greek writer 
on medicine, who lived about A. D. 103, says basil was eaten by 
many persons in his time; and Gerard remarks that “ the smell of 
this plant is good for the hearte and the head, that taketh away sor- 
rowfulnesse which commeth of melancholie, and maketh a man mer- 
rie, and glad.” Schroder, and other medical writers of later days 
give it the virtue of cleansing the lungs. 
Culture .—In the end of March, sow the seeds in a slight hotbed, 
but if it be not convenient to make up a. bed for the purpose, sow 
them in boxes or pans, and place them in a cucumber frame or a 
forcing-house. When the plants are grown a good size, expose 
them gradually to the open air. Afterwards take them up in little 
bunches of three or four together, with good balls, which is more to 
be recommended than taking them up singly, and transplant them 
in a warm south border of light rich earth, placing them in rows, al¬ 
lowing six inches both between the rows and from plant to plant. If 
the weather prove dry, give a little water, and they will soon take 
root and grow a good size. Persons having no other convenience 
may sow the seeds broadcast on a warm south border of light fine 
soil, and if the season prove favourable they will succeed pretty well, 
but they never attain any thing like the size of those treated on the 
other method. 
Borage (Borago officinalis.)—The name of this plant is derived 
from Cor, heart, and ago to affect, on account of its supposed cordial 
qualities. It is generally believed to be indigenous, though some 
think it was originally brought from Aleppo. Parkinson, who died 
about 1640, states that it grew plentifully in Kent, in his day. The 
whole herb is succulent and very mucilaginous, having a peculiarly 
faint smell when bruised. It was formerly held in great esteem as a 
cordial; though now but little noticed for any thing but cool tank¬ 
ards, which supply a very pleasant summer drink. The young leaves 
may be used as a salad, and are considered very wholesome. 
Culture .—It is an annual, and is raised from seeds, which may be 
sown in a light dry soil, from March to May, either broadcast, or in 
drills eight inches apart. Where they come up thick, let them be 
