(Anethum graveolens).

Use

Its leaves and umbels are used in pickling, and the former in soups and sauces.

Soil And Situation

It may be cultivated in any open compartment; but if for seed, a sheltered situation, and a soil rather dry than damp, is to be allotted for it.

Time Of Sowing

It is best sown immediately that it is ripe, for if kept out of the ground until the spring it often is incapable of germinating. If neglected until the spring, it may be sown from the close of February until the com-mencement of May,in drills a footapart. The plants are to remain where sown, as they will not bear removing. When of three or four weeks' growth they must be thinned to about ten inches apart; for if not allowed room they spindle, their leaves decay, no lateral branches are thrown out, and their seed is not so good; in every stage of growth they require to be kept clear of weeds. The leaves are fit for gathering as wanted, and the umbels about July and August. In September their seed ripens, when it must be immediately cut, and spread on a cloth to dry, as it is very apt to scatter.