Several of the most popular Herbs, such as Chives, Mint, Tarragon, and Lemon Thyme, are not grown from seed—­at all events, those who venture on the pastime might employ their labour to greater advantage.  But others, such as Basil, Borage, Chervil, Fennel, Marjoram, Marigold, Parsley, Savory, &c, are grown from seed, in some cases of necessity, and in others because it is the quicker and easier way of securing a crop.

Angelica and Mint flourish in moist soil, but the majority of aromatic Herbs succeed on land that is dry, poor, and somewhat sandy, rather than in the rich borders that usually prevail in the Kitchen Garden.  Happily they are not very particular, but sunshine they must have for the secretion of their fragrant essences.  A narrow border marked off in drills, and, if possible, sloping to the south, will answer admirably.  Thin the plants in good time, and the thinnings of those wanted in quantity may, if necessary, be transplanted.  The soil must be kept free from weeds, and every variety be allowed sufficient space for full development.

==Angelica== (=A.  Archangelica=).—­A native biennial which is not easily raised from seed treated in the ordinary way.  Germination is always capricious, slow and irregular.  It may be several months before the plants begin to appear.  The best results are obtained by placing the seed in sand, kept moist for several weeks before sowing.  The leaves and stalks are sometimes blanched and eaten as Celery, and are also boiled with meat and fish.  Occasionally the tender stems and midribs are coated with candied sugar as a confection.  Angelica was formerly supposed to possess great medicinal virtues, but its reputation as a remedy for poison and as a preventive of infectious diseases is not supported by the disciples of modern chemistry.  The seeds are still used for flavouring liqueurs.

==Balm== (=Melissa officinalis=).—­A perennial herb, which can be propagated by cuttings or grown as an annual from seed.  An essential oil is distilled from the leaves, but they are chiefly used, when dried, for making tea for invalids, especially those suffering from fever.  The plant has also been used for making Balm wine.  Sow in May.

==Basil, Bush== (=Ocymum minimum=).—­A dwarf-growing variety, used for the same purposes as the Sweet Basil.  Sow in April.

==Basil, Sweet== (=Ocymum Basilicum=).—­A tender annual, originally obtained from India, and one of the most popular of the flavouring Herbs.  Seeds should be sown in February or March in gentle heat.  When large enough the seedlings must be pricked off into boxes until they are ready for transferring to a rich border in June, or seed may be sown in the open ground during April and May.  A space of eight inches between the plants in the rows will suffice, but the rows should be at least a foot apart.  The flower-stems must be cut as they rise, and be tied in bundles for winter use.  This practice will prolong the life of the plant until late in the season.  Many gardeners lift plants in September, pot them, and so maintain a supply of fresh green leaves until winter is far advanced.