i873.] 



CALENDAR. 



527 



vegetable growing. We know that 

 many grow good vegetables on un- 

 trenched land ; but we also observed 

 that the same growers would grow 

 finer quality on land which has been 

 well trenched. Protection for crops 

 should now be at hand, and ready 

 when circumstances may call it into 

 use ; and a change to severe weather 

 may be expected at any time, and will 

 tell all the more severely after such a 

 damp and sunless season. Celery (if 

 strong and luxuriant) may be easily 

 destroyed by frost. In damp locali- 

 ties it suflers worst. A quantity of 

 dry litter or fern answers well for 

 protection ; but should be taken off 

 when the storm of frost is past, as the 

 damp which it would harbour would 

 rot the plants. Asparagus-beds should 

 now be made clean ; but we question 

 the propriety of covering the beds 

 with "good manure" at this season, 

 as recommended by many writers. 

 "We have seen more mischief from the 

 roots rotting by heavy autumn cover- 

 ing than from any other cause. We 

 prefer manuring the beds as the roots 

 are about to become active and search 

 for food. Wholesome manure and 

 dustings of salt will then be of great 

 service. Broad Beans are sown by some 

 at this season for early work. Protec- 

 tion from mice, &c., must be given 

 by dusting red -lead, hellebore powder, 

 chopped furze, or some other material 

 to keep off the vermin. Peas also 

 can be sown in dry sheltered borders 

 this month for chance crops ; and this 

 is necessary where there are no means 

 of raising crops under glass for spring 

 planting. 



Brussels Sprouts, all the Cabbage 

 tribe, Broccolis, &c., should be cleared 

 of all decaying leaves, as when snow 

 falls they become offensive, if no- 

 thing worse befalls them. Broccolis 

 which have made strong growth, and 

 are drawn up, may be laid down with 

 their heads to the north ; those which 

 are short in the stalk and sturdy will 

 be as well standing as they are. Any 

 Walcheren or Granger's now turning 

 in should be protected from frost and 

 dashing rains, which discolour them. 

 Litter ])laced among Broccoli will act 

 as a protector to a considerable extent. 

 Carrots and all other roots may be 

 stored if not already done. Pits an- 



swer well for carrots and beet ; they 

 can in all respects be treated as pota- 

 toes. Globe Artichokes may have soil 

 thrown up round their collars, or litter 

 placed round them. In very wet 

 localities it is well to lift and pot a 

 number of the suckers, and they can 

 be planted out in spring in well-pre- 

 pared ground. 



Jerusalem Artichokes may have 

 some litter thrown over the roots, so 

 that they can be dug out when wanted 

 in frosty weather. Cauliflowers under 

 lights may have plenty of air on every 

 favourable opportunity; the surface 

 between the plants should always be 

 kept free from weeds, &c., by stirring 

 it frequently with a pointed stick. 

 Cauliflower-heads turning in quickly 

 may be placed in a cellar or outhouse, 

 and kept dark. They often keep 

 good for weeks when lifted carefully 

 and the roots preserved entire. Chicory 

 may be lifted and placed in a mild 

 growing temperature where it can be 

 kept dark ; a few roots taken in every 

 week will keep up a supply. Lettuce 

 fit for use may be lifted and placed in 

 a frame ; with the roots entire, and kept 

 dry and airy, they will be fit for use 

 for weeks to come : a frame placed over 

 a bed of them is a useful system of 

 keeping them from severe weather. 

 Salsify and scorzonera may be treated 

 as parsnips, digging up a portion to 

 ajfford supplies during frosty weather. 

 Tomatoes may now be gathered, and 

 hung up in dry quarters to ripen. 

 Those in pots for winter and spring 

 supply should not be allowed to set 

 too many fruit. Keep them growing 

 steadily with plenty of light and air 

 and gentle bottom-heat. Draw earth 

 over Turnips to keep them from severe 

 frost. Get a quantity of Asparagus in 

 a frame or pit on warm leaves or 

 manure for forcing. Keep up succes- 

 sions of French Beans, Radishes, Rhu- 

 barb, and Seakale, as may be required : 

 cover the latter with manure and 

 leaves if no warm house or cellar is at 

 command. Mushroom - beds may be 

 made once a fortnight or monthly, ac- 

 cording to their size and the quantity 

 required. Have the bed neither very 

 wet nor very dry. But under the best 

 treatment they often fail, and often 

 do well without "almost any attention ; 

 keep down wood-lice. M. T. 



