112 THE GARDENER. [March 



or border, for transplanting next season. Sandy, rich, and deep soil 

 suits it well. Beds may be forked over, breaking into the surface a 

 quantity of good rotten manure ; or soil may be thrown from the 

 sides over the manure, as the crowns, being near the surface, might 

 be injured by inexperienced hands. Where plantations are to be 

 made, let the soil be prepared, if not already done, by trenching deeply 

 and giving liberal supplies of manure, and sand if the soil is heavy. 

 Beans may be sown for a full crop, and those coming through the 

 ground should have the hoe freely worked among them. Beet may 

 be sown in small quantity, if supplies are required early, but reserv- 

 ing ground for the main supply, to be sown about the end of April in 

 Scotland, and two or three weeks later in the south of England. 

 Pinches of early Broccoli may be sown soon, and the main crops from 

 the third week in the month to middle of April. Walcheren, White 

 Cape, Granger's, and Snow's may not be sown for some time to come, 

 unless they are preferred very early in autumn. Cauliflower may be 

 sown every few weeks as required, first judging what space can be 

 afforded for its growth, and to have successions to keep up a regular 

 supply all the summer and autumn. Cauliflower under hand-lights 

 and other protection may have the surface of the soil stirred among the 

 plants, and any bad leaves picked out ; a little short litter placed over 

 the roots will help to keep out cold or drought. Brussels Sprouts for 

 first main crop may be sown soon : our latest sowing of these last 

 season were by far the best Sprouts. Cabbage of sorts may be sown 

 to succeed those which have or are about to be planted from the 

 winter-protected stock. They require plenty of decayed manure ; 

 and later, when in full growth, they will be improved with several 

 soakings of manure- water. Dryness or poverty at their roots gives 

 tough inferior produce. Savoy and Kale may be sown for a full 

 crop. In Scotland these are often sown in autumn, and kept over 

 winter, but the crops (though often rank in growth) seldom are so 

 useful for culinary purposes as those sown in spring. Red Cabbage 

 which have been planted in autumn should have the decaying leaves 

 picked off, and the hoe used freely among them the first dry opportunity. 

 Seed may be sown, as the small heads, which will come in late, are 

 much better for pickling than when very large and blanched. Carrot 

 may be sown in small quantities if required. In the south they quickly 

 run to seed when sown for main crop before the end of April. A little 

 lime and soot spread over the surface will help to keep the crop safe 

 from vermin ; it can be pointed over before the seed is sown. Turnip 

 may be sown on a sheltered piece of ground to give an early supply. 

 When the spring is severe, and no proper protection can be afforded, 

 Turnips run to seed before they are of a useful size. Celery may be 



