Coris
(a name adopted from Dioscorides). ORD. Primuleoe. The only species of this genus is a pretty dwarf branching hardy perennial. It thrives on sunny parts of rockwork, in a dry, sandy, peaty soil. Increased by seed, sown, as soon as ripe, in a cold frame.
C. monspeliensis (Montpelier).* fl. bright lilac, with orange anthers; disposed in elongated terminal heads. Summer. l. linear, acute, with revolute margins, sessile, patent, clothing the stem from the base to the top. h. 6in. Mediterranean region, 1640. (B. R. 536.) CORN SALAD, or LAMB'S LETTUCE (Valerianella olitoria). Annual. This is not largely used in this country, but still, it makes a very good change in the salad bowl. In summer, the whole plant may be used, as it is then tender, being in active growth. About four sowings will be found sufficient, and, if these are made in February, April, August, and September, a fair supply will be kept up, quite sufficient for any ordinary household. The ground should be deeply dug, but it need not be heavily manured. Sow the seed in rows, about 9in. asunder, and thin out to 6in. apart in the rows. Keep the plants clear of weeds, and, in winter, during hard frost, throw a little dry litter over the bed.
Sorts. The common Corn Salad, the Round-leaved (a stronger-growing form, with larger leaves), and the Italian, are the varieties usually cultivated. The latter is supposed to belong to another species.