Herbs.--Thyme, Marjoram, Chervil, Basil, Burnet, Hyssop, Savory, etc.,
should be sown early in spring, in dry, mild weather, in narrow drills
about 1/2 in. deep and 8 or 9 in. apart, covered evenly with soil,
and transplanted when strong enough. Mint is quickly increased by
separating the roots in spring, and covering them with 1 in. of earth.
Sage is propagated by slips of the young shoots taken either in
spring or autumn. If planted in light soil and in a sunny position it
produces very fragrant flowers. Chives should be planted 6 or 8 in.
apart: they are increased by division in spring. Penny Royal, like
mint generally, will grow from very small pieces of the root; it needs
to be frequently transplanted, and to be kept from a damp condition.
Rosemary will grow from cuttings planted under glass in a shady spot.
Thyme likes a light, rich soil, and bears division. Sorrel will grow
in any soil, and the roots should be divided every two or three years.
Chamomile roots are divided and subdivided in spring. Herbs should be
harvested on a fine day, just before they are in full bloom. Tie them
up in small bunches and hang in the shade to dry, then wrap in paper
and store in air-tight vessels, or rub the leaves to a powder and keep
in tightly-corked bottles. They will retain their strength for a long
time.
Herbs, the Uses of Sweet and Pot.--
_ANGELICA_.--A biennial. Leaves and stalks are eaten raw or boiled;
the seeds are aromatic, and used to flavour spirits.
_ANISE_.--Leaves used for garnishing, and for seasoning, like fennel;
the seeds are medicinal.
_BALM_.--A hardy perennial. Makes a useful tea and wine for fevers.
_BASIL_, Sweet and Bush.--Half-hardy annuals. The leaves and tops
of the shoots, on account of their clove-like flavour, are used for
seasoning soups and introduced into salads.
_BORAGE_.--Hardy annual. Used for salads and garnishing, and as an
ingredient in cool drinks; excellent also for bees.
_CHAMOMILE_.--A hardy perennial. Flowers used medicinally.
_CARAWAY_.--A biennial. Leaves used in soups, and the seeds in
confectionery and medicine.
_CHERVIL_.--An annual. Useful for salads.
_CHIVES_.--Hardy perennial. The young tops used to flavour soups, etc.
_CORIANDER_.--A hardy annual. Cultivated for garnishing.
_DILL_.--A hardy perennial. Leaves used in soups and sauces, also in
pickles.
_FENNEL_.--Hardy perennial. Used in salads and in fish sauce, also for
garnishing dishes.
_HOREHOUND_.--Hardy perennial. Leaves and young shoots used for making
a beverage for coughs.
_HYSSOP_.--Hardy evergreen shrub. Leaves and young shoots used for
making tea; also as a pot herb.
_LAVENDER_.--Hardy perennial. Cultivated for its flowers, for the
distillation of lavender water, for flavouring sauces, and for
medicinal purposes.
_MARIGOLD_, Pot.--Hardy annual. Flowers used in soups.
_MARJORAM_, Sweet or Knotted, and Pot.--Hardy annuals. Aromatic and
sweet flavour. Used for stuffings and as a pot herb; leaves dried for
winter use.
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