For the following accurate and valuable inform mation, the reader is indebted to Mr. Butler, Herbalist and Seedsman, opposite Henrietta Street, Covent Garden Market, where the several articles may be obtained of the best quality, at the fair market price.

It is very important to those who are not in the constant habit of attending the markets, to know when the various seasons commence for purchasing sweet herbs, etc, so necessary to be preserved when in the highest state of perfection: these are fullest of flavour just before they begin to flowers the first and last crop have neither the fine flavour nor the perfume of those which are gathered in the height of the season; that is, when the greater part of the crop of each species is ripe at the same period: take care they are gathered on a dry day, by which means they will have a better colour when dry. Cleanse your herbs well from dirt and dust, cut off the roots, separate the bunches into smaller ones, and hang them across a line in the kitchen, where there is a moderate heat, which will dry them in an excellent manner: when perfectly dry, put them in bags, and lay them by on a shelf in the kitchen, they will keep good for twelve months, and be ready in the moment when wanted; or rub them off the stalks and put them through a hair sieve, and put the powder into well stopped bottles: by this means their flavour is still better preserved. I would recommend parsley and fennel to be dried rather quicker than the other herbs, and rubbed clean from the stalks before they are bagged: these are not generally dried, but those who have experienced the goodness of them in this state, will not willingly omit preserving them.

Basil is in the best state for drying from the middle of August, and three weeks after.

Knotted Marjoram, from the beginning of July, and during the same.

Winter Savory, the latter end of July and throughout August.

Summer Savory, the latter end of July, and throughout August.

Thyme,

Lemon-Thyme,

Orange Thyme*, during June and July.

Mint, latter part of June, and during July.

Sage, August and September.

Tarragon, June, July, August.

* A very delicious herb, that deserves to be better known.

Chervil, May, June, July. Burnet, June, July, August. Parsley, May, June, July. Fennel, May, June, July. Elder Flowers, May, June, July. Orange Flowers, May, June, July.