e flowers being abortive.

_Soil, Propagation, and Culture._--It may be grown from seed, but is
best propagated by a division of the roots, which are long and creeping,
and readily establish themselves wherever they are planted. Spearmint
thrives best in rich, moist soil; but may be grown in any good garden
loam. The roots may be set either in the autumn or spring.

Where large quantities are required for marketing in the green state, or
when grown for distillation, lay out the land in beds three or four feet
in width, and make the drills two or three inches deep and a foot apart.
Having divided the roots into convenient pieces, spread them thinly
along the drills, and earth them over to a level with the surface of the
bed. Thus treated, the plants will soon make their appearance; and may
be gathered for use in August and September. Just before severe weather,
give the beds a slight dressing of rich soil; and, the ensuing season,
the plants will entirely occupy the surface of the ground.

_Use._--Mint is sometimes mixed in salads, and is used for flavoring
soups of all descriptions. It is often boiled with green pease; and,
with the addition of sugar and vinegar, forms a much-esteemed relish for
roasted lamb. It has also much reputed efficacy as a medicinal plant.

CURLED-LEAVED SPEARMINT.

A variety with curled foliage. It is a good sort for garnishing; but,
for general use, is inferior to the Common or Plain-leaved species
before described. Propagated by dividing the roots.

* * * * *

TANSY.

Tanacetum vulgare.

Tansy is a hardy, perennial, herbaceous plant, naturalized from Europe,
and abundant by roadsides and in waste places. Its stem is from two to
three feet high; the leaves are finely cut and divided, twice-toothed on
the margin, and of a rich, deep-green color; flowers in corymbs,
deep-yellow, and produced in great abundance; the seeds are small, of a
brownish color, and retain their vitality three years.

_Soil and Cultivation._--Tansy may be grown in almost any soil or
situation, and is propagated from seeds or by dividing the roots; the
latter method being generally practised. In doing this, it is only
necessary to take a few established plants, divide them into small
pieces or collections of roots, and set them six inches apart, in rows a
foot asunder, or in hills two feet apart in each direction. They will
soon become established; and, if not disturbed, will com