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

SALSIFY.
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the lower leaves detached, preserving the upper
ones entire. They should be planted in May, and
it is said, “they will grow every day;” and no
doubt but they will .do the same if planted in
April and June, if set half their depth in a shady
border, six inches apart, and watered. They will
soon strike root and advance in growth; and if
any spindle up into flower-stalks such parts must
be cut down, and the plants will shoot out strong
and stocky for use the same year.—In gathering
sage for use, the young side and top shoots should
be cut neatly off, being careful not to cut them
too close, and particularly towards winter. In
July the plants, both young and old, should be
formed into regular heads by cutting away disor¬
derly parts and decayed flower-stalks. They
must be kept clear from weeds by hoeing the
ground amongst the plants. A new plantation
should be made every two, three, or four years,
as may appear necessary by the plants becoming
naked and decayed.
SALSIFY.
This is a hardy biennial, with a long tapering,
fleshy white root, the herb smooth and rising
three or four feet high. The leaves much resem¬
ble those of the leek; the flowers, which are of a
dull purple colour, close soon after mid-day; and
the seed is remarkable for its long feathery
crown.