thering.

_Varieties._--There are three described varieties,--the Green-leaved,
the Small Brown-leaved, and the Large Brown-leaved. These differ
slightly, if at all, in flavor; though the Brown-leaved is generally
preferred: having a fine appearance, and a small proportion of stalk to
the leaves, it is most salable in the market. The variations in foliage
and habit do not appear to be caused by the quantity or quality of the
water in which the plants are grown, as the three kinds are found
growing together. "The Green-leaved is the easiest of cultivation, and
the Small Brown-leaved is the hardiest. The Large Brown-leaved is the
best, and is the only one which can be well grown in situations where
shallow water is not to be obtained."--_Trans._

_Gathering and Use._--"The shoots are _cut_ for market, not _broken_
off, as is the usual mode of gathering Cress in its natural state, and
which is found to be very injurious to the plants in the beds. After
they have been cut about three times, they begin to stock; and then, the
oftener they are cut, the better. In summer, it is necessary to keep
them very closely cut; and in water of a proper depth, and with a good
soil, each bed supplies a gathering once a week."

It is extensively employed as an early spring salad; and, on account of
its warm and pleasant taste, is by many persons preferred to all other
salad plants.

* * * * *

WINTER-CRESS.

Barbarea. American Winter-cress. Belle-Isle Cress. Scurvy-grass, of some
localities. Barbarea praecox.

Stems from twelve to fifteen inches high; leaves lyrate, the terminal
lobe round; flowers small, in erect, loose, terminal spikes, or groups;
the seeds are small, wrinkled, of a grayish color, and retain their
vitality three years. Introduced from Europe, and naturalized in the
Northern States.

COMMON WINTER-CRESS, OR YELLOW ROCKET.

Barbarea vulgaris.

This species somewhat resembles the foregoing; and, like it, grows
naturally in moist, shady situations. It is distinguished by its longer,
more erect, and more slender pods.

_Soil and Cultivation._--Both of the species are hardy, perennial
plants; and are raised from seeds, which should be sown in April or May,
in shallow drills a foot apart. For a succession, a few seeds may be
sown at intervals of three or four weeks till August. For winter use,
sow, and subsequently cultivate, as Winter Spinach.

_Use._--As soon as the plants have