, yellow stripes, and small stamens, produce a fine effect.
The roots are gently boiled with salt and water, after having been
washed and slightly peeled. They are then eaten like asparagus in the
Flemish fashion, with melted butter and the yolk of eggs. They are also
served up like scorzonera and endive, with white sauce; and form, in
whatever way they are dressed, a tender, succulent dish, easy to digest,
agreeing with the most delicate stomach. The analogy of the root with
salep indicates that its effect should be excellent on all
constitutions."

"The bright rose-colored flowers being very ornamental, the plant is
sometimes employed as an edging for walks."--_Thomp._

* * * * *

THE PARSNIP.

Pastinaca sativa.

The Parsnip is a hardy biennial, indigenous to Great Britain and some
parts of the south of Europe, and, to a considerable extent, naturalized
in this country. In its native state, the root is small and fibrous, and
possesses little of the fineness of texture, and delicacy of flavor,
which characterize the Parsnip in its cultivated state.

The roots are fusiform, often much elongated, sometimes turbinate, and
attain their full size during the first year. The flowers and seeds are
produced the second year; the plant then measuring five or six feet in
height, with a grooved or furrowed, hollow, branching stem. The flowers
are yellow, in large spreading umbels five or six inches in diameter.
The seeds ripen in July and August; are nearly circular; about
one-fourth of an inch in diameter; flat, thin, very light, membranous on
the borders, and of a pale yellowish-brown or yellowish-green color.
They vary but little in size, form, or color, in the different
varieties; and retain their vitality but two years. About six thousand
seeds are contained in one ounce.

_Propagation, Soil, and Cultivation._--It is always propagated from seed
sown annually.

_Soil._--The soil should be mellow, deep, and of a rich vegetable
texture. "If in moderate condition by the manuring of the previous crop,
it will be better than applying manure at sowing. Should it be necessary
to do so, let the manure be in the most thorough state of decomposition;
or, if otherwise, incorporate it with the soil, as far from the surface
as possible. The Parsnip will grow in a stronger soil than the Carrot;
and succeeds comparatively well when grown in sand, or even in peat, if
well manured."

_Preparation of th