mitcham: its physic gardeners and plants. 
29 
Mr. Arthur informs us that chamomiles may be cultivated from 
seed, which plan is adopted for the introduction of a fresh variety 
from another locality, or by way of occasionally renewing the 
stock. But the plan commercially pursued is that of dividing the 
roots, each root forming the rudiments of three or four dozen 
plants. Mr. Arthur plants them in rows a yard apart, with an in- 
terval of eighteen inches between the plants. If planted closer 
the space is not sufficient for gathering the crops without treading 
on the plants. At the close of the season, a sufficient number of, 
plants are preserved to furnish the roots for the ensuing season, 
and the remainder are destroyed. 
March is the best month for planting ; but they are sometimes 
planted in April, and occasionally in the Autumn. 
The crop is in perfection about July, and continues to yield 
more or less until September, and sometimes as late as October. 
The period, however, varies according to the season. 
Either extreme of wet or dry weather is injurious to chamo- 
miles. A soaking shower about once a week, with intervals of 
sunshine is the most favorable weather. 
Mr. Arthur says that chamomiles are most productive when 
grown in a heavy soil. A stiffish black loam suits them better 
than a light sandy soil, which latter causes them to become weak, 
or than clay which is too heavy. They are benefitted by changing 
the ground every two or three years. They require but little ma- 
nure. If over-manured, they run to stem and leaf, and the crop of 
flowers is less abundant. 
When gathered, the flowers are placed on canvass trays in a dry- 
ing closet, warmed by means of a cockle. They remain there 
about a day, which time is generally found sufficient. 
The average crop per acre is six cwt., but the range is from 
three to ten cwt The single flowers are by weight more produc- 
tive than the double ; but the price being lower, the value of the 
crop is about the same. 
The flowers supplied to the English market are grown chiefly 
at Mitcham and in Derbyshire. Both kinds are of good quality, 
but we think a preference is generally given to Mitcham 
flowers. 
The gathering costs from three farthings to one penny per 
pound. The cost of gathering and drying chamomiles is about 
425. per cwt. 
3* 
