152 
MITCH AM : ITS PHYSIC GARDENERS AND PLANTS. 
founded on correct principles. Mr. Moore, of Mitcham, informs 
us, that he never sells the first year's leaves, considering them worth- 
less. 
The annual and the biennial varieties are cultivated at Mitcham 
in distinct plantations. Formerly the biennial was chiefly met with 
and it was at one time a disputed point whether henbane was ever 
matured during the first year. Since this point has been decided, 
the annual plant has come into cultivation, and it has gradually su- 
perseded the biennial to a certain extent, as it is found more profit- 
able to realise the return in the shorter period. The seeds are sown 
early in the spring ; as soon as the weather is favorable, the annual 
plants are thinned, if necessary, and the crop is gathered about July 
or August. 
The biennial plants are transplanted in the spring of the second 
year, and the gathering of the crop commences sometimes as early 
as May, and generally'continues throughout June, and the early 
part of July. 
It is usual to change the ground every two or three years ; bu t 
this appears to be optional, as the plant grows wild in many places 
for ten or twenty years in succession, and some of the finest 
biennial plants are met with in the wild state. Mr. Bridgerfat Mr. 
Moore's, Mitcham) informs us that he has seen specimens of 
these plants weighing as much as fourteen pounds, while the annual 
variety seldom exceeds three or four pounds, and the average much 
less. 
The following report shows the variation in the product of ex- 
tract arising from various circumstances. The notes were taken 
merely for private use, but they are quoted from the original me- 
moranda, including the cases of failure in the result. With two ex- 
ceptions the plant was furnished by the herbalist or grower, as the 
biennial variety in the second year of its growth. The leaves were 
separated from the stem, sprinkled with water and crushed, the stem 
being rejected. 
June 13, 1844 — Henbane, 3cwt. 2llbs., produce 141bs. 9ozs. 
The herb was crushed in a mill, and brought to the premises in 
a state of pulp. This plan was found not to answer: the delay oc- 
casioned by its transference through the different stages of the pro- 
cess impaired the quality, and although the produce was large it was 
unlit for use. 
