Angelica (Angelica Officinalis)

In former years this plant was much more cultivated than it is at present, chiefly on account of its leaf stalk, which, when blanched, will be found a very good substitute for celery. However, as it is only customary now to use them when candied, to those who cultivate it for that purpose a word or two on the subject may not be altogether unwelcome. The time for gathering is in May, or at all events while the stalks are young and tender, as if permitted to grow for too long a time they will become coarse and strong. Previous to giving directions for the propagation of this plant, we may say that both the seeds and leaves are occasionally used in medical preparations. Those about to cultivate this plant will do well to observe the following rules: - A moist situation, although not absolutely necessary, will be found most agreeable to it, for this reason: that in such situations the same is found in many parts of England, although we are ready to admit that it will grow in almost any soil with more or less success. It is propagated by seed, which should be sown in the autumn as soon as ripe, as the plants come up stronger and far earlier than when the seed is sown in the spring. The best method of sowing the seed is on the broadcast principle, on beds of a moderate width.

As soon as the plants have attained the height of four or five inches, they should be pricked out into rows three feet apart, and the plants one foot asunder in the rows. Should the weather prove very dry, it will be necessary to give them a little water, as by so doing it causes the plants to throw out an abundant supply of new roots, by which means they are enabled to advance in growth rapidly. As their future success will depend greatly upon the manner in which they are attended to in the first instance, you must watch them carefully and regularly clear the soil round and about them of weeds; then as soon as they are sufficiently high, a little earth should be drawn to them in precisely the same manner as you would do celery in order that the leaf-stalks may be nicely blanched. The second year the branchy seed stems will rise several feet high, and produce large heads of seed. Should you not require it, you may cut the plant down in May.

Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

This is easily propagated, either by slips, or by parting the roots, leaving two or three eyes or buds to each. The proper time for planting is in the spring. This plant will grow and do well in any common soil; all you have to do is to dibble in the slips or sets one foot apart, and water them well if the weather is dry. They will soon take root, grow freely, and be fit for use the same year. It is a perennial plant and will grow for several years in one situation. It is seldom or ever needed for any culinary purpose; its chief use seems to be that of making balm-tea, to be drunk by those suffering from feverish complaints.

Basil, Sweet (Ocymum Basilicum)

This, being an annual, is raised from seed, which should be sown on a hot-bed about the latter end of March; and as soon as the plants are sufficiently high they must be transplanted into a warm border of light rich soil, eight inches apart every way. It may also be sown out of doors on a warm border in April, but such plants are never so strong. In transplanting from the hot-bed be careful to take as much soil as possible with the roots, that they may neither be injured or checked too much. Give them a good watering as soon as planted, and in dry weather, and they will soon make fresh root and produce plenty of tops. The leaves and tops of the shoots are the parts gathered, and are used for highly seasoned dishes, and occasionally introduced into salads.

Basil, Bush (Ocymum Minimum)

This is an annual also, and must have precisely the same treatment as that recommended for the previous one. The only difference is that it is of much smaller growth, and rather more hardy. Its uses are precisely the same.

Borage (Borago Officinalis)

{This is an annual plant raised from seed, sown any time from February to May, either broadcast or in drills, but the latter method is preferable. The drills should be ten inches asunder, and when the plants are well up they must be thinned out to the same distance apart in the rows. This plant will grow if transplanted, but it thrives better when left where sown. The young and tender tops are used as pot herbs, occasionally in salads, and at times as a garnish.