Of herblore and stewed coney

I've always loved the scenes in the 'Lord of the Rings' wherein Tolkien wanders off in a rather humorous fashion into herblore, especially the desperate search for King's foil and the reminiscences of old wives wherein a true professional is rather baffled, and as an expert herbalist myself, having now grown basil successfully for a full two months, perhaps I should write my own epic upon the subject (being that there are far duller things being put into print).  But I will refrain, at least until I am a true master of that particular art, say three or four months in perhaps?  But let me simply conclude that if I can manage it, anyone can, growing basil that is, not writing up their wisdom thereupon, that takes a very dull pen indeed, perhaps Miss Bates might be able to accomplish the matter but certainly not we lesser mortals!  Tolkien's elvish poetry was certainly a good exercise to allow him the privilege, but the rest of us should tread cautiously in this matter...