1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 559 



Rliubarb may be treated in every way the same as Seakale, but it does 

 well with light and air. Mitchell's Early Red and Prince Albert are 

 easily excited, and can be brought on very quickly. With these two for 

 first and second, we can with little trouble get a supply in by the end of 

 December, and after that time Victoria is brought in. The mushroom - 

 house answers well for all forcing of roots except Asparagus, which, is 

 easily forced in a mild dung-frame. The roots placed over the surface, 

 packing the crowns closely together, spreading out the roots, and covering 

 with a few inches of soil, will answer well. Watering with tepid water is 

 necessary, but not to make the soil sodden. Give air when growth ap- 

 pears. Blanched Asparagus is a poor dish. The tops should be green 

 and tender, and used when the stalks are from 4 to 6 inches long. AVhere 

 dung is used for forcing anything, heat-sticks should be used to know what 

 the temperature is. Drawing them out, and trying them with the hand, 

 will easily show if there is danger to vegetable life ; and if too hot, holes 

 should be made to let the heat escape. Mushroom-beds may be made as 

 required. Droppings from the stable, with some straw in them, answer 

 well. Slake it over, mixing the whole well together. Leave it in a heap 

 to heat ; but if left any length of time, burning would take place, and 

 render the dung useless. When making the bed, let it be thoroughly 

 beaten down to make it as firm as possible — 1 foot thick will answer 

 well. Let it heat, and if burning is likely to occur, make holes all over 

 the bed ; and when at a temperature of 75° to 85°, let the spawn be 

 placed all over about 9 inches or 1 foot apart, and 2 inches below the 

 surface. Pieces like walnuts, or larger, are generally used. If the 

 spawn is good, the Mushrooms will appear in the course of from five to 

 eight weeks. About a week after spawning, 2 inches of good earth may 

 be placed over the dung, finishing it off smoothly and firmly. W^ater- 

 ing is seldom necessary till the Mushrooms appear above the surface, 

 and then only enough should be given to moisten through the 

 surface-soil. 55° to 60° is the temperature generally allowed. Wal- 

 cheren Broccoli and Granger's Autumn will be supplying heads now. 

 They should be looked over frequently, and taken before frost destroys 

 them. If large quantities turn in, they might be lifted with balls of 

 earth and placed in a shed or outhouse, where they can be protected 

 till used. Salads under protection, such as Lettuce and Endive, 

 should be well looked after. Those in frames require plenty of fresh 

 air, clean, well-stirred surfaces, and no water, except when absolutely 

 necessary. Chicory lifted, trimmed, and placed in heat to blanch like 

 Seakale, will soon give a plentiful supply. This is considered by some 

 as one of the most wholesome of Salads. Keep up supplies of Cress, 

 Mustard, and young Onions, by frequent sowings, keeping them cool 

 and airy before they are used, which adds to their flavour. Peas and 



