e at one time used for food; being first parched,
then mixed with water, and afterwards stewed with other ingredients. A
sort of pudding is made of the seeds, in the same manner as rice; and is
by some persons much esteemed. From the seeds of the first-named sort an
oil is extracted, which will keep many years without having any rancid
smell or taste. In two years, the warm taste which the new oil possesses
wears off, and it becomes quite mild and pleasant, and may be used as a
salad-oil, or for all the purposes of olive-oil. Two quarts of oil have
been extracted from nine pounds of the seeds."

The properties of the plant are cooling and healing, with some degree of
astringency. A few of the leaves, immersed a short time in a tumbler of
water, give it a jelly-like consistence, without imparting color or
flavor; and in this form it is generally used.

There are three varieties:--

BIFORMED-LEAVED. _Mill._

Plant larger than that of the Oval-leaved; the lower leaves are
three-parted, while those of the upper part of the stalk are oval or
entire.

OVAL-LEAVED.

Stem about two feet high, with a few short branches; the leaves are
oblong, and entire on the borders.

TRIFID-LEAVED. _Mill._

Taller and more vigorous than either of the preceding. The upper as well
as the lower leaves are trifid, or three-parted.

* * * * *

CAMOMILE.

Anthemis nobilis.

This is a half-hardy, herbaceous, perennial plant, growing wild in
various parts of England, by roadsides and in gravelly pastures. Its
stems rest upon the surface of the ground, and send out roots, by which
the plants spread and are rapidly increased.

_Soil and Culture._--Camomile flourishes best in light, poor soil; and
is generally propagated by dividing the roots, and setting them in rows
a foot apart, and eight or ten inches from each other in the rows. They
will soon entirely occupy the ground.

_Gathering._--The flowers should be gathered in a dry day, and when they
are fully expanded. They are generally spread in an airy, shady
situation for a few days, and afterwards removed to a heated apartment
to perfect the drying.

COMMON CAMOMILE.

The flowers of this variety are single. Though considered more
efficacious for medicinal purposes, it is not so generally cultivated as
the Double-flowering. Its leaves are finely cut, or divided; and, when
bruised, emit a peculiar, pungent odor. It may be grown from seeds, o