Balm (Melissa officinalis).

Soil And Situation

The soil best suited to its growth, is any poor and friable, but rather inclining to clayey than silicious. Manure is never required. An eastern aspect is best for it.

Time And Mode Of Planting

It is propagated by offsets of the roots, and by slips of the young shoots. The first mode may be practised any time during the spring and autumn, but the latter only during May or June. If offsets are employed, they may be planted at once where they are to remain, at ten or twelve inches; but if by slips, they must be inserted in a shady border, to be thence removed, in September or October, to where they are to remain. At every removal water must be given, if dry weather, and until they are established. During the summer they require only to be kept clear of weeds. In October the old beds require to be dressed, their decayed leaves and stalks cleared away, and the soil loosened by the hoe or slight digging.

Old beds may be gathered from in July, for drying, but their green leaves from March and September, and those planted in spring, will even afford a gathering in the autumn of the same year. For drying, the stalks are cut with their full clothing of leaves to the very bottom, and the process completed gradually in the shade.