Hepatica.--This enjoys a rather light, sandy soil and a shady
situation. The roots should be taken up and divided every second year.
Well adapted for surrounding beds or clumps of Rhododendrons. Flowers
in March. Height, 4 in.
Heracleum.--Coarse hardy biennials, that may be grown in any kind of
soil, and are readily raised from seed. They flower at midsummer.
Height, 2 ft. to 4 ft.
Herbs.--Thyme, Marjoram, Chervil, Basil, Burnet, Hyssop, Savory, etc.,
should be sown early in spring, in dry, mild weather, in narrow drills
about 1/2 in. deep and 8 or 9 in. apart, covered evenly with soil,
and transplanted when strong enough. Mint is quickly increased by
separating the roots in spring, and covering them with 1 in. of earth.
Sage is propagated by slips of the young shoots taken either in
spring or autumn. If planted in light soil and in a sunny position it
produces very fragrant flowers. Chives should be planted 6 or 8 in.
apart: they are increased by division in spring. Penny Royal, like
mint generally, will grow from very small pieces of the root; it needs
to be frequently transplanted, and to be kept from a damp condition.
Rosemary will grow from cuttings planted under glass in a shady spot.
Thyme likes a light, rich soil, and bears division. Sorrel will grow
in any soil, and the roots should be divided every two or three years.
Chamomile roots are divided and subdivided in spring. Herbs should be
harvested on a fine day, just before they are in full bloom. Tie them
up in small bunches and hang in the shade to dry, then wrap in paper
and store in air-tight vessels, or rub the leaves to a powder and keep
in tightly-corked bottles. They will retain their strength for a long
time.