394 THE GARDENER. [S EPT - 



scarce, all refuse of vegetables should be carefully harvested for turn- 

 ing into the ground. Earth or other material should be thrown over 

 the heap to prevent an unpleasant smell. liather than lose vegetable 

 refuse, it might be wheeled on to vacant ground, made into a compact 

 ridge, and covered with the soil till trenching has begun. All winter 

 vegetables, such as Spinach, Turnips, late-sown Lettuce, and Onions, 

 should have timely attention by thinning them to keep the plants clear 

 of each other, or pricking out those requiring it. Cauliflower plants 

 should be in a sheltered position, free from damp. A ridge made to 

 slope to the sun often answers well when no other means are at com- 

 mand. A quantity of late-sown Lettuce we had last season on a ridge 

 stood the winter without losing any, though so small that they could 

 hardly be seen till growth commenced in spring. They were then 

 lifted and planted in well-prepared ground. They grew to a great 

 size and did good service, while others which had better quarters and 

 more attention went prematurely to seed. Cauliflower for an early 

 lot may be placed under handlights on a sheltered border — say nine 

 plants under each light, to be reduced to four or five in spring, when 

 the plants lifted may be planted for a succession. Plants to be placed 

 in a frame may be planted on ground formed to size, and the frame can 

 be placed over when protection is necessary. All such plants should 

 have the lights used only to keep off heavy rains, but kept close during 

 frost and snow. An open healthy surface (by hoeing or otherwise) 

 should be kept as long as possible. Plenty of Cabbage may now be 

 planted. To make the best of the ground they should be placed one 

 foot apart, so that every alternate plant (when fit for use) may be 

 drawn, and the crop left to grow to full size : reducing the number of 

 plants should be done in proportion to the size of kinds and strength 

 of ground. A portion of Celery may now be earthed up for use, first 

 slightly tying the plants together to keep them compact (matting will 

 soon decay, but it is a safe material to prevent cutting the plants as 

 growth proceeds). Place the earth so that the hearts are not buried. 

 A good watering beforehand is of great importance in securing 

 tender crisp Celery. Water can hardly be too freely given to 

 later crops ; and if they are to remain " unearthed up " for a time, 

 a little surfacing after watering will keep in the moisture. Potatoes 

 for seed, after being placed a short time in the sun to " green " them 

 a little, may be keep cool and dry. Onions may be pulled and har- 

 vested in cool dry quarters, first drying them well in the sun for a few 

 days : if they are left late out exposed to wet they are liable to take 

 second growth, and will not keep any length of time. All seeds which 

 are to be saved will form strong temptation to birds, unless they are 

 protected with nets, or otherwise looked after. Gather them dry and 



