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RED MALABAR NIGHTSHADE.

Red Malabar Spinach. Baselle Rouge. _Vil._ Basella rubra.

From China. Properly a biennial plant, but, like the White species,
usually cultivated as an annual. It is distinguished from the last named
by its color; the whole plant being stained or tinted with purplish red.
In the size and color of the seeds, and general habit of the plant,
there are no marks of distinction, when compared with the White.

_Propagation and Cultivation._--All of the species are easily grown from
seeds; which may be sown in a hot-bed in March, or in the open ground in
May. They take root readily when transplanted; and may be grown in rows
like the taller descriptions of pease, or in hills like running beans.
Wherever grown, they require a trellis, or some kind of support;
otherwise the plants will twist themselves about other plants, or
whatever objects may be contiguous. All are comparatively tender, and
thrive best, and yield the most produce, in the summer months.

_Use._--The leaves, which are put forth in great profusion, are used in
the form of Spinach. The juice of the fruit affords a beautiful but not
permanent purple color.

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COMMON NETTLE.

Large Stinging Nettle. Urtica dioica.

The Common Nettle is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, growing naturally
and abundantly by waysides and in waste places, "but is seldom seen
where the hand of man has not been at work; and may, therefore, be
considered a sort of domestic plant." It has an erect, branching,
four-sided stem, from three to five feet in height; the leaves are
opposite, heart-shaped at the base, toothed on the borders, and thickly
set with small, stinging, hair-like bristles; the flowers are produced
in July and August, and are small, green, and without beauty; the seeds
are very small, and are produced in great abundance,--a single plant
sometimes yielding nearly a hundred thousand.

_Propagation and Culture._--The Nettle will thrive in almost any soil or
situation. Though it may be propagated from seeds, it is generally
increased by a division of the roots, which may be made in spring or
autumn. These should be set in rows two feet apart, and a foot apart in
the rows.

_Use._--"Early in April, the tops will be found to have pushed three or
four inches, furnished with tender leaves. In Scotland, Poland, and
Germany, these are gathered, as a pot-herb for soups or for dishes, like
Spinac