Occupations > Abercrombie's improved practical gardener; with a monthly calendar for the flower garden

ROSEMARY.
This is a hardy under-shrub, rising from six to
ten feet high. It is evergreen; the leaves are
sessile, linear, dark-green above, and greyish or
■whitish underneath. The blossoms are of a pale-
blue colour. The whole plant is highly aromatic.
The flowers and calyces form a principal ingre¬
dient in the distillation of Hungary water; infu¬
sions of the leaves are made in some drinks; and
the sprigs are used as a garnish. In the West of
England and in Wales, the sprigs are distributed
amongst the company at funerals, and is also
thrown into the grave upon the coffin of the
deceased. This is done as tokens of remem¬
brance.
Varieties.
There are three varieties of this plant, viz.—
the Green, or Common; the Gold-striped; and
the Silver-striped.
The Green, is most common, and that most cul
tivated for use. A light sandy soil suits this
plant best, and on such it will stand the winter
better than on a rich one, partly by preventing
their growing so luxuriant, and partly by not
being a conductor of frost.