Perfoliate Alexanders.
Smyrnium perfoliatum.
A hardy, biennial species, from Italy; stem three feet in height, grooved or furrowed, hollow; leaves many times divided, and of a yellowish-green color; flowers, in terminal bunches, yellowish-white; seeds black, of the form of those of the common species, but smaller.
It is considered superior to the last named, as it not only blanches better, but is more crisp and tender, and not so harsh-flavored.
BROOK-LIME.
American Brook-lime. Marsh Speedwell. Veronica beccabunga.
Brook-lime is a native of this country, but is also common to Great Britain. It is a hardy perennial, and grows naturally in ditches, and streams of water, but is rarely cultivated. The stem is from ten to fifteen inches in height, thick, smooth, and succulent, and sends out roots at the joints, by which the plant spreads and is propagated; the leaves are opposite, oval, smooth, and fleshy; the flowers are produced in long bunches, are of a fine blue color, and stand upon short stems,—they are more or less abundant during most of the summer, and are followed by heart-shaped seed-vessels, containing small, roundish seeds.
Cultivation.—It may be propagated by dividing the roots, and setting the plants in wet localities, according to their natural habit. It will thrive well when grown with Water-cress.
Use.—The whole plant is used as a salad, in the same manner and for the same purposes as Water-cress. It is considered an excellent anti-scorbutic.