264 THE GARDENEE. [June 



cow-dung, and soot may be used to keep the roots moist, and be a 

 check to grubs, tfcc. Let the stems, as high as the leaves, be dipped in 

 the mixture : a handful of soot and wood-ashes round the necks of each 

 plant will keep vermin off them. Lettuces may be sown and 

 planted in larger quantity : thin out the rows when fit, and plant the 

 strongest in a shady position, which will make a succession. We get 

 the finest Lettuces from Celery-ridges ; they have a good depth of soil 

 to root in, and being near the Celery, they get a good supply of water. 

 Turnips : sow in larger breadths for autumn, and thin those which are 

 fit to handle. Laing's Swede and similar kinds are useful for winter ; 

 Red and White Stone and Snowball are among the best to sow from 

 this time forthwith. Keep the hoe in use among Onions as long as it 

 can be done, and dust frequently with soot or guano when weather is 

 showery. A good breadth of Parsley may now be sown for winter 

 work ; a sheltered position, free from damp, is most suitable. Thin- 

 nings of Parsley make the best leaves : plant them on good soil, 1 foot 

 apart. Pease may be sown two or three times during the month : the 

 two last sowings should be earlier kinds, such as "First crop," or 

 Sangster's No. 1. Stake those requiring support before they fall over. 

 In the south of England we have sown Pease about the middle of July, 

 and had fine crops from them up to November. Watering and 

 mulching in time will do much to secure fine crops ; if they are 

 allowed to become stunted before the water is given, it will almost be 

 labour thrown away. Carrots and Onions may be sown for drawing 

 young : mulching with litter or grass is often given to Carrots with 

 good results. Radishes and all other salads may be sown as required. 

 Good soakings of water are necessary; and at this season, when weather 

 is dry, the soil in which small seeds are sown may be covered with 

 mats or evergreen branches till the seed vegetates, and then the covering 

 may be taken off by degrees. Vegetable Marrows and ridge Cucumbers, 

 where they can be cultivated in the open air, may be planted, first 

 throwing out ridges and placing in warm dung. Leaves and a small 

 portion of grass mixed answer well. Let the soil be returned, cover- 

 ing the warm material, placing a little fresh kindly soil where the 

 plants are to be turned out to give them a start. Handlights over them 

 for a time will help to establish the plants quickly. Gherkins and 

 ridge Cucumbers may be placed 3 feet apart on the ridges or mounds ; 

 vegetable marrows require more than double that distance. Cucumbers 

 and Melons will now require less attention with linings, but more 

 liberal watering and airing will be necessary. Melons setting their 

 fruit should be kept dry, and air be given early in the morning ; indeed, 

 w r e find it beneficial to leave on a little all night. Allow neither 

 Melons nor Cucumbers to become crowded ; cut off all weakly growth, 



