Evening star., 1942-06-21

best in poor soil, if the spot be
sunny, and makes a delightful addi-
ton to any herb patch, or may be
used to border beds of flowers.
Venus grew "margaram" on Mount
Olympus and called it Joy of the
mountains" we are told. and it
always formed the wreaths bound
about the brows of young brides and
or1degrooms. Apart from its ro-
mantle story, 1t is a beautiful, useful
little herb with fragrant pink and
white blossoms growing in clusters
and grows as blithely in a pot on a
window sill as in an outdoor garden.
Is leaves, fresh or dried, enhances
nsh dishes, sauces and many meats.
IL was used either as an addition to
salaos or as a boiled vegetable in
Snakespeare's day and, paving a
hlgn tribute to Helena in "All's Well
That Ends Well" the clown COM
pares her to "the sweet marparam
OF salad and herb of grace"
rosemary, native of the Medf-
terranean countries, too, was nat.
urallzed In England in the 18th
century. 1t has slim green needles
Tor leaves like the spruce tree:
white on the under side. they
have a delightful spicy aroma II
was believed to have many virtues.
Smell of it oft and it shall keep
thee young sang one of its poetic
admirers. Brewed in a love potion
1t meant that the one who partook
OF it would remember and be con-
slant to the loved one. A sprig worn
would protect one from the EVIL eve"
too. Its tiny flowers have a blush
tint ascribed by the devout to the
fact that the Virgin Mary, on her
hight to Egypt, threw her blue
mantle over a rosemary bush as
weary and warm she lay down under
its refreshing, grateful shade for a
brief rest.
Slips from this plant will grow all
winter in the house Minced leaves
OF rosemary impart a fresh piney
tang to soups, and can be used to
spice jams or pudding sauces. Oil
OF rosemary distilled from its leaves
is an ingredient of most eau-de-
colognes. Like bay and lavender its
flowers and leaves give off a faint
lingering perfume even when with
cred
Thyme, too. comes from Greece. a
weary journey to England's shores
where 1t became dearly beloved by
town and country folk alike. Ladies
embroldering love tokens used often
design which bore a sprig OF
thyme. Blossoming in June. with
tiny pink fiorets, it has been immor.
talized by Shakespeare's lovely
poem, Il know a bank where on the
wild thyme grows in Midsummer
Nights Dream" The leaves and
stalks, too, OF this popular herb are
n1bbled in Persia as an appetizer
before a meal. Its Towering tops,
cut while in full bloom and then
dried, are good for seasoning.
Sage is a hardy perennial and
forms a bouquet hard to beat when
1t comes to seasoning poultry dress
lngs, sausage or other meats. It
was'believed to have great medicinal
value. and an old rhyme runs,
He that eats sage in May
Shall live for aye.
Perhaps that is the reason that
sage tea, good, old-fashioned
remedy brewed from the fresh leaves
Is recommended as a spring tonic.
The Chinese constantly marvel that
other nations go to such lengths to
import tea, for they still prefer the
kind made from homegrown sage.
It's an easy herb to grow, and its
fresh leaves minced and sprinkled
over many kinds Of cooked greens
add a delightful taste and tang. /,
This is the first of ttDo articles
on herbs. The second tDtll appear
merit Sunday.