78 THE GARDENER. [Feb. 



soil to the roots instead of the necks. What is called " hanging " brings 

 premature seeding, or disappointment in some other form. A pinch 

 of Cabbage may be sown under protection and treated the same as 

 Cauliflowers ; but this is seldom necessary where due attention has been 

 given in autumn to securing a good plantation, and a succession of 

 young plants in a sheltered position. A succession of Peas may be 

 sown and repeated every two or three weeks — this can be regulated 

 only by demand ; a second early kind may be sown to succeed those 

 that are to be planted out, or what may have been sown last month. 

 Stake any Peas that are up, first drawing a little of the surface soil 

 to them, to afford protection. Later in the season " earthing up " is 

 not necessary. Broad Beans may be sown for a main crop ; 2^ feet 

 apart will be wide enough for the rows, and 4 inches from set to set. 

 Early Longpod and Mazagan will answer well. Radishes and Lettuce 

 may be sown in sheltered early positions : protection with litter, &c., will 

 be required in times of frost. Rhubarb and Seakale will require attention 

 to keep up regular supplies. Rhubarb will now grow freely in any struc- 

 ture where a temperature from 55° to 60° can be maintained ; cellars or 

 outhouses will answer well, or a large pot or box placed over each 

 crown in the ground and some warm manure laid above, wdll soon 

 cause the crowns to start. Roots wliich have been lifted may be kept 

 free from frost after they have been forced : they can be reduced and 

 planted in prepared ground next month, protecting the crowns with 

 dry litter ; in two years' time the same roots would be again ready for 

 lifting to force. The trimmings of Seakale-roots should be saved in a 

 little sand, to form new plantations next month. Pieces about 4 inches 

 long, planted 2 feet one way and 1 foot the other, would make useful 

 roots for forcing in two years hence. If Mushrooms are only grown 

 in sheds or open ground, thick coverings of hay or straw are neces- 

 sary to keep in the heat and out frost. At the base of a wall facing the 

 south is a good position for forming beds ; the droppings should be 

 thrown up sloping from the wall, and the whole bed made thoroughly 

 firm ; and when heat is moderate the spaw'n may be placed 9 inches or 

 a foot apart, using it about the size of pigeons' or hens' eggs, and an 

 inch or two below the surface of the dung is deep enough. Make the 

 beds smooth, and spread 2 inches of good loam over the surface of the 

 bed about a week after it is made, patting it firm and smooth with the 

 back of a spade, then protect with the litter or hay. Walks may be 

 turned, well trodden down, levelled with the back of a rake, and well 

 rolled ; this will keep them clean and smooth for a long time : gravel 

 that does not bind cannot be treated so : such walks as have to be hoed 

 and raked are always unsightly and unpleasant to walk on. Trees yet 

 unpruned should be attended to at once, and the proper fastening 



