purple, in spikes.

The whole plant is remarkably aromatic; but the flowers have this
property in a greater degree than the foliage or branches. The plants
are in perfection in July and August, and are cut for drying or
distillation, close to the stem, as the blossoms on the lower part of
the spikes begin to change to a brown color.

NARROW-LEAVED WHITE-FLOWERING.

A sub-variety of the Common Lavender, with white flowers. It is of
smaller growth and less hardy than the last named, though not so
generally cultivated. Its properties and uses are the same.

* * * * *

LOVAGE.

Ligusticum levisticum.

Lovage is a hardy, perennial plant, with a hollow, channelled, branching
stem six or seven feet high. The leaves are winged, smooth, deep,
glossy-green, and somewhat resemble those of Celery; the flowers are
yellow, and produced in large umbels at the extremities of the branches;
the seeds are oblong, striated, of a pale, yellowish-brown color, and
retain their germinative powers but one year.

_Soil, Propagation, and Culture._--Lovage requires a deep, rich, moist
soil; and is propagated either by seeds or dividing: the roots. The
seeds should be sown in August, or immediately after ripening; as, when
sown in spring, they seldom vegetate well. When the young plants have
made a growth of two or three inches, they should be transplanted three
feet apart in each direction; and, when well established, will require
little care, and continue for many years.

The roots may be divided in spring or autumn; and should be set three
feet apart, as directed for seedling plants; covering the crowns three
inches deep.

_Use._--Lovage was formerly cultivated as an esculent; but its use as
such has long been discontinued. It is now cultivated for its medicinal
properties; both the seeds and roots being used. The latter are large,
fleshy, dark-brown without, yellowish within, and of a peculiar, warm,
aromatic taste. They are sliced and dried, and in this state are used to
some extent by confectioners. The seeds are similar to the roots in
taste and odor, but have greater pungency. In appearance and flavor, the
plant is not unlike Celery.

There are no varieties.

* * * * *

MARIGOLD.

Pot Marigold. Calendula officinalis.

This hardy annual is a native of France and the south of Europe. Aside
from its value for culinary purposes, its large, deep, orange-yellow
f