1870.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 459 



kinds of vegetables ; and where plenty of water is not to be had, 

 it is necessary to strike out of the beaten track if regular supplies 

 of crisp produce are wanted. The system adopted by Mr Speed of 

 Chatsworth, to secure supplies of rain-water at once, tells its own 

 tale of usefulness. There are few gardens where it, to some extent, 

 cannot be put in practice ; and the drought which this island has 

 been subject to for some years past suggests to us that waste sur- 

 face-water might be turned to much better account than it is. It 

 is an old plan to have carriage - roads, walks, lawns, gardens, &c, 

 drained and led into one or two large tanks for watering plants, 

 &c., but this falls far short of having cisterns in convenient posi- 

 tions to water growing crops of fruit and vegetables. Lifting of 

 roots — such as Carrots, Beet, and Parsnips — will now require attention. 

 The two former, lifted and allowed to become rather dry on the ground, 

 then placed under cover compactly together, and a covering of dry straw 

 over them, will keep them well. Pitting them in a dry position answers 

 well enough when the quantity is bulky. Parsnips keep well in the 

 ground, taking up a few in open weather to keep up the supply 

 as required. Potatoes should not be stored in large quantities while 

 they are wet, as many would rot. Lettuce and Endive may soon be 

 lifted and placed in frames, or where shutters can be placed over to 

 throw off heavy rain and keep out frost. If they are not sufficiently 

 blanched, tying up the heads or placing a board or slate over the 

 Endive will soon make it fit for use. Cauliflowers under protection, 

 and small Lettuces, should have sifted coal-ashes and a little lime spread 

 through among the plants to dislodge slugs, &c. Where glass is used, 

 the covers should be off at all times except when rain or frost prevails. 

 Spinach for winter supplies, and young Onions, may have a little lime 

 thrown between the drills to keep the worms from throwing out the 

 young plants. Asparagus may be cleaned, cutting off all decayed stems. 

 It is a common practice to put a layer of decayed manure over the 

 roots, but in damp localities, where the crowns do not ripen, the manure 

 helps to destroy them, and often good crops are lost. Where there is 

 danger from damp, it is a good practice to place the soil over the 

 crowns in ridges, forking in what manure is necessary before growth 

 commences. French Beans in full bearing may be protected from frost 

 by hoops and mats, or if a frame can be placed over a few rows, 

 pickings may be had for some time after the main crops are de- 

 stroyed. In a sunk pit we have a fine lot coming into bearing : wooden 

 shutters are placed over them at night. Tomatoes cover the back, which 

 also may be kept on late in the season. Cucumbers in frames depend- 

 ing for heat from linings may now require close attention, keeping 

 the heat as steady as possible, cutting out any leaves which are decaying, 



