3G THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



GLOBE AETICHOKES. 



BT THOMAS TEUSSLEB, EBMONTON. 



HE Globe Artichoke is, it must be confessed, less useful 

 than a large number of other vegetables which may be 

 mentioned, for the produce is very small in proportion to 

 the space occupied. Nevertheless, it will not do to 

 ignore it altogether, for it is a great favourite with many, 

 and the round, heads, when nicely served, make a most acceptable 

 dish by way of change. It should be looked upon as a luxury 

 only, and when grown in villa-gardens, it may be planted in the 

 piece of ground which divides the pleasure-grounds from the kitclien 

 garden ; for, during the summer season, the ample greyish leafage 

 has rather an ornamental appearance. Indeed, it may be questioned 

 whether it has not strong claims upon our attention as an orna- 

 mental plant, for it certainly surpasses in its bold and distinctive 

 character many plants which at the present day are employed in the 

 embellishment of the flower-garden. It is not, however, my inten- 

 tion to speak of its cultivation for decorative purposes, but to direct 

 attention to a few of the most essential points in its management 

 for the supply of its heads for the table. 



Although the Globe Artichoke is naturally comparatively robust 

 in growth, yet it does not succeed in many gardens so well as 

 could be desired. This, in a large measure, is owing to its re- 

 quirements not being properly understood, and, in some i'ew in- 

 stances, to the soil being quite unsuitable for it. To insure a 

 healthy growth, and a good supply of fleshy heads, it must have 

 liberal cultivation, and a well-drained soil. A deep sandy loam, 

 liberally enriched with manure, is the most suitable. In poor, sandy- 

 soils it does not grow so freely as could be desired, and, on the other 

 hand, on stiff" clays it is apt to perish during very wet or very S3vere 

 winters. In a soil of suitable chaiacter, there will not be much 

 trouble in producing heads of a good quality. 



An open position should be selected for the plantation, and to 

 afford ample space ibr the development of the foliage, let the crowns 

 be three feet apart. The early part of April is, perhaps, the best 

 time in the whole year for making new plantations, and as the 

 ground should be in readiness when the time arrives for planting, 

 the preparations should be commenced without delay. The best 

 course is to spread over the surface a layer (about four inches in 

 thickness) of partly-decayed manure, and then dig or trench over 

 the ground to a depth of eighteen inches. If this is done at once, 

 and the surface left rather rough, the soil will be in capital condition 

 for the reception of the plants. The strong offsets, taken off" care- 

 fully, with a few roots attached to them, are the most suitable, and 

 these may be obtained at the principal nurseries. Plant them three 

 feet apart each way, water liberally to settle the soil, and also water 

 them occasionally until they are thoroughly established ; provided, 

 of course, the weather is dry at the time. The only other attention 



