Baume. Melisse.

No. 98. - Balm is a hardy perennial aromatic plant. Originally from the southern part of Europe. The leaves have a fragrant odor, similar to lemons, and are used for making Balm Tea, for use in fever, and makes a pleasant beverage of Balm wine for diseases of the lungs, being also used in seasoning meats and for flavoring vinegar. A mixture of Balm and honey is sometimes applied to the interior of bee hives just previous to receiving the swarm for the purpose of their settlement, to attract them.

Culture

No. 99. - Prepare a rich sandy soil and keep it clear of weeds. Plant early and thin to ten inches apart. The plants will soon completely cover the ground, and the bed with good management will last several years. When drying, the plants should be cut as they come into bloom, separating the stems at the surface of the ground. Spread them in an airy shady place and allow them to dry gradually. The leaves may be used in their green state directly from the plants, as they are required.