Ortie. Nessel.

No. 942. - The common Nettle is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, which grows naturally and in abundance by the wayside, but it is seldom seen where people have not been at work; hence it is considered a sort of domestic plant. The stem is erect and branching, while the leaves are heart-shaped at the base, toothed on the borders, and thickly set with small, stinging hair-like bristles. The common Nettle produces a large proportion of fiber, which is used in making ropes, cordage, sewing thread, and white linen cloth of superior quality. Like many other common plants the superior merit of these troublesome weeds has been greatly overlooked. Early in April the tops will furnish tender leaves that are used as a pot herb for soups, or are prepared the same as spinach. The cultivated Nettle is used most, being propagated from roots that are planted either in pots or in the forcing house. They will soon send up an abundance of tender tops. They may be blanched by covering them with other pots. If planted close to a flue in the vineyard they will produce excellent Nettle-kale or Nettle-spinach in January or February.