558 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



to us, and of excellent quality ; and some turn up under a new name 

 which have almost become extinct in their true character. To do 

 justice to seeds, there should be every attention given to thoroughly 

 preparing the soil in winter, so that a fine dry open surface may be 

 secured at sowinsr-time. 



While manuring, trenching, and otherwise preparing the ground at 

 this season, arrangements should be made as to what the plots 

 are to be occupied with, changing the crops as frequently as possible, 

 and either giving good or limited supplies of manure. Ground for 

 Leeks, all the Brassica tribe. Asparagus, and other gross-feeding plants, 

 may have the heaviest supplies of the rankest manure ; and for roots 

 — such as Carrots, Parsnips, and Beet — a deep soil moderately manured 

 with thoroughly rotten material is desirable, otherwise forked and coarse 

 produce may be expected. Celery-ground well trenched makes a good 

 preparation for Onions ; Strawberry ground trenched down does well 

 for Cabbage, Cauliflower, or anything subject to "clubbing." How- 

 ever, if the Strawberries have been long on the space, a good coating 

 of manure may have to be dug into the surface after the ridges or rough 

 surface is broken down. Snow should never be dug down, except on 

 hot gravelly ground where cooling and moisture might be an advan- 

 tage. In severe weather, compost might be turned over, prunings 

 charred, along with leaves or other rough material, to form manure to 

 be used soon. Pea-stakes may now be secured and made, and Onions 

 looked over. When wet overhead, all roots and other stores may be 

 examined, as some may be decaying. Wheel on manure in frosty 

 weather, leaving it in ridges covered over with soil till wanted ; and 

 as soon as all prunings, leaves, and other rubbish are cleared off, a 

 good dressing of manure may be given to fruit-bushes, to be dug or 

 forked into the surface where required, not disturbing the roots. 

 This is not necessary, however, for vigorous young bushes which have 

 been planted in well- prepared ground ; but keeping the roots near the 

 surface is a great object, and mulching helps this more than anything. 

 Rhubarb and Seakale crowns may be covered over with soil, coal- 

 ashes, or litter, to afford a little protection. Roots of these for forcing 

 msij now be lifted and placed in heat. A cellar often does well. An 

 outhouse, or anywhere that the temperature can be kept from 55° to 

 60°, will bring them on gradually; but 20° higher would bring them on 

 quickly, but more weakly in growth. Seakale requires to be kept close 

 and free from air to blanch it. A number of roots placed in pots 

 among light earth, leaving the crowns at the surface, and taken into 

 warmth and darkness, answers for small supplies. Covering with warm 

 manure placed over pots is still practised, and answers well. The trim- 

 mings of Seakale-roots should be kept for next season's planting. 



