t differs little from the preceding species; and
is cultivated in the same manner, and used for the same purposes.
Annual.

* * * * *

BLACK NIGHTSHADE.

Morelle, of the French. Solanum nigrum.

An unattractive, annual plant, growing spontaneously as a weed among
rubbish, in rich, waste places. Its stem is from two to three feet high,
hairy and branching; the leaves are oval, angular, sinuate, and bluntly
toothed; the flowers are white, in drooping clusters, and are succeeded
by black, spherical berries, of the size of a small pea; the seeds are
small, lens-shaped, pale yellow, and retain their vitality five
years,--twenty-three thousand are contained in an ounce.

_Propagation and Culture._--It is raised from seed, which may be sown in
April or May, or in autumn. Sow in shallow drills fifteen or eighteen
inches apart, and thin to six or eight inches in the drills; afterwards
keep the soil loose, and free from weeds, in the usual manner.

_Use._--The French, according to Vilmorin, eat the leaves in the manner
of Spinach; while Dr. Bigelow asserts that it has the aspect and
reputation of a poisonous plant.

On the authority of American botanists, it was introduced into this
country from Europe. By European botanists, it is described as a plant
of American origin.

* * * * *

LEAF-BEET, OR SWISS CHARD.

Sicilian Beet. White Beet. Beta cicla.

The Leaf-beet is a native of the seacoasts of Spain and Portugal. It is
a biennial plant, and is cultivated for its leaves and leaf-stalks. The
roots are much branched or divided, hard, fibrous, and unfit for use.

_Propagation and Cultivation._--It is propagated, like other beets, from
seed sown annually, and will thrive in any good garden soil. The sowing
may be made at any time in April or May, in drills eighteen inches
apart, and an inch and a half deep. "When the plants are a few inches
high, so that those likely to make the best growth can be distinguished,
they should be thinned out to nine inches or a foot apart, according to
the richness of the soil; more room being allowed in rich ground. Some,
however, should be left at half that distance, to make up by
transplanting any vacancies that may occur. The ground should be kept
clean, and occasionally stirred between the rows; taking care not to
injure the roots. In dry weather, plenty of water should be given to
promote the succulence of the leaves."--