Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/148



A of the south of Europe, and must have been known among the ancients. This plant, being perennial, is easily propagated, by sowing the seeds in a border of light mould, in the Spring season, or by slips, and cutting and parting the roots. The whole plant has a strong aromatic scent, and the leaves and flowers are of a warm, pungent taste; they are sometimes reduced to powder and used with cold salad herbs. Hyssop has the general virtues ascribed to aromatics, and is recommended in asthmas, coughs, and other disorders of the lungs. The young leafy shoots and flower-spikes are usually employed, being cut as they are wanted. The flower stems may be cut during the Summer, and tied up in bunches for use.

Is a very hardy plant, and a native of the south of Europe. It may be readily increased by planting slips or cuttings of the young shoots in the Spring. The common Lavender has been cultivated for ages past. The fragrant smell of the flower is well known, and to most persons is very agreeable; to the taste it is bitterish, warm, and somewhat pungent; the leaves are weaker, and less grateful. The flowers are often employed as a perfume, and medicinally as mild stimulants and corroborants, in several complaints, both internally and externally. They are also sometimes used in the form of a conserve.