"The cutting and distilling commence about the 25th of August, except in very dry seasons, when it stands two or three weeks longer, and continues until the 1st of October; during which period the plant is in full inflorescence, and the lower leaves begin to grow sear. It is raked together in small heaps; when it is suffered to wilt ten or twelve hours, if convenient.
"The next year, little is done to the mint-field but to cut and distil its product. During this (the second) year, a few weeds make their appearance, but not to the injury of the crop; though the most careful of the mint-growers go through their fields, and destroy them as much as possible. The second crop is not so productive as the first.
"The third year, little labor is required other than to harvest and distil the mint. The stem is coarser than before, and the leaves still less abundant. The weeds this year abound, and are not removed or destroyed; half or more of the product of the field often being weeds.
"The fourth year, the field is ploughed up early in the spring; and this 'renewing' is sometimes done every third year.
"The fifth year, without any further attention, produces a crop equal to the second; after which, the field is pastured and reclaimed for other crops.
"The first year produces the best quality of oil, the highest yield per acre, and the greatest amount to the quantity of herbage."—F. Stearns.
ROSEMARY.
Rosmarinus officinalis.
Rosemary is a half-hardy, shrubby plant, from three to six feet in height. The leaves vary in form and color in the different varieties; the flowers are small, generally blue, and produced in axillary clusters; the seeds are brown, or blackish-brown, and retain their vitality four years.