1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 401 



systems a chance, and sow again in February, and by the three sow- 

 ings for early work we are always sure of plenty of early Cauliflower ; 

 but if the plants are drawn up weakly for want of light and air, ruin 

 is certain. Let ground be well prepared for a plantation of Cabbage. 

 Strawberries trenched down, and if the ground when turned up is 

 poor, a good coating of very rotten manure under the top spit will 

 help the Cabbage on in spring when the roots reach it. We strongly 

 object to either sowing or planting (at this season) in ground newly 

 dressed with rank manure. Cabbage may be planted doubly thick at 

 this season, so that every alternate plant can be cut for early use, and 

 the crop left at proper distance afterwards. Puddle the roots before 

 planting in a little soot, cow-dung, and earth, mixed with water, which 

 will help to keep grubs at bay after planting. Thick-skinned grubs 

 often secrete themselves by the necks of the plants and eat them 

 through. Hand-picking is the only effectual remedy we have tried 

 for getting rid of them. The smaller Cabbage in the seed-rows or 

 beds should be pricked out in a sheltered position to stand over for 

 February or March planting. Rank -growing Parsley may be cut 

 down to give a supply of tops in early winter. Let plenty be planted 

 out from the thinnings of later successions. When allowed to become 

 crowded, the leaves are weak, the quality inferior, and the frost and 

 wet act severely on the crowns. Lift Potatoes as they become ripe. 

 Medium-sized tubers may be placed in the sun to become green. All 

 seeds should be gathered as they become ripe. Some of them can be 

 kept in pod, where they cannot be scattered about, and cleaned out 

 and put in bags when weather is wet. Keep up supplies of Salads. 

 Larger quantities of each kind may now be sown ; they will last long 

 in the cool season, and can be protected when frost is expected. This 

 applies to Cress of sorts ; American and Golden are excellent. Radishes 

 and Mustard. Where French Beans are likely to last long, they 

 should have some kind of temporary frame made round a portion of 

 them, or hoops bent over them so that mats may be thrown over for 

 protection. jS^ew Zealand Spinach, Ice-plant, or any other thing use- 

 ful through the autumn, should be protected if they are wanted. Tie 

 up Endive to blanch, or place flower-pots over the plants. Celery and 

 Cardoons may be earthed up. A month or less before they are wanted 

 will do. We do not hold with earthing them up piecemeal, but give 

 a good surfacing of decayed manure, covered with a little earth, and 

 a portion is earthed up as required ; and when fully-grown late crops 

 are forward enough, they are earthed up all at once. No soil should 

 fall in their hearts, and the leaves should be kept clear above the 

 soil. Soakings of manure water will be of great service if the weather 

 is dry. Onions, if not already pulled, may be taken up soon, dried a 



