Poivre el Piment. Pfeffer.

No. 1096. - There are many varieties of Pepper, both annual and perennial, the latter being of a shrubby or woody character, and as it is a tropical plant, it is tender. The annual varieties can be grown in the Middle and Southern States successfully.

The annual, or common garden Pepper, is a native of India.

Pepper is used more than any other spice. There are three kinds in use - the White, Black, and Red. It facilitates digestion and corrects flatulency. In warm countries it is used in great quantities, but for good cooking it should be used with moderation, and persons of nervous debility should abstain from using any. For persons living on plain food, and having out-of-door work, it imparts vitality, and is very beneficial. There are also a large variety of Peppers eaten and prepared in their-green state, and put up like pickles. The large Bell Peppers are stuffed and used as a vegetable, and are also excellent for pickling, and when sliced are much esteemed in salads, in connection with tomatoes and cucumbers.

Culture

No. 1097. - Sow in hot beds early in April, and transplant to the open ground when the weather is favorable. They should be planted in warm, mellow soil, in rows eighteen inches apart, or they may be sown in the open ground, when danger of frost is past, and the soil is warm and the weather settled.

Chili

No. 1098. - This variety has sharply conical pods of a brilliant scarlet color, which are exceedingly pungent when ripe. They are principally used in making Pepper sauce. The plants should be started early in hot beds.

Long Red Cayenne

No. 1099. - This kind has a long, slim, pointed pod, and when ripe, is of a bright red color. The flavor is strong and pungent.

Large Squash

No. 1100. - The fruit is large, flat and tomato-shaped, more or less ribbed, with a smooth and glossy skin. The flesh is mild, thick-meated and pleasant to the taste, although it possesses more pungency than many of the other varieties.

Golden Dawn

No. 1101. - This kind resembles the Large Bell in size and shape, and has a beautiful golden yellow color. The flavor is pleasant and delicate.

Large Bell

No. 1102. - A large sort of square form, tapering to a point. It is an early variety, less pungent than most kinds, and is thick and hard. It is suitable for filling with cabbage, etc.

Sweet Mountain

No. 1103. - This is similar to the Bell Pepper in shape and color, but is large and milder in flavor.

Cranberry

No. 1104. - The fruit resembles the cranberry in appearance, and is a good variety for pickling.

Grossum

No. 1105. - A large French variety of irregular shape, which is good for mangoes.

Cherry, Or Little Gem

No. 1106. - The fruit or berries are of a globular form, about the size of a large red currant, and of a brilliant scarlet hue. They are produced in the greatest profusion, and will be found useful in the preparation of pepper sauces, and when pickled as soon as plucked. To prepare them for use in their dry state, it is only necessary to cut the plants close to the roots when the fruit is ripe. String the berries and hang them up in a warm, dry room. They will retain their piquancy for years. The plant is so beautiful that when grown in pots it will always prove ornamental; the glossy, coral red of the numerous pods presenting a fine contrast to the deep green foliage surrounding them.