^J M CULTURk; OF PIE-PLANT. 



the IV-aoli. Naturally a jilant t>f rapid f^rowtli uiulor favorable conditions, it frequently 

 attains an unfruitful luxuriance. Early attention to the removal of superlluous and 

 pinching the points of the strongest shoots, will not only enhance tlic value of the 

 fruit, but increase the longevity and health of the tree. Linulky truly remarks : "If 

 Well directed, pruning is one of the most useful, and, if ill directed, it is among the 

 most mischcvious operations that can take place upon a plant." 



[AVe commend Mr. Sauxder's remarks to the careful perusal and reperusal of 

 all inexperienced persons who are charged with the management of trees. "We 

 know Mr. S. to be an intelligent and thoroughly practical man. — Ed.J 



CULTURE OF PIE PLANT — RHEUM. 



BY ■WILLIAM BACON, PvICITMOim, MASS. • li 



All who have had any experience in the matter, are fully convinced of the luxury 

 and healthfulness of fresh and succulent substances for pies at all seasons of the year. 

 Yet the idea has never suggested itself to the many, or if it has it is not practiced 

 upon, that a cycle of such substances may be had so as to furnish fresh material 

 through the year. The Pie-Plant furnishes a beautiful link in this connecting chain, 

 coming, as it does, when Apples begin to lose their freshness, or, as they are in many 

 families, not to be found at all, and before Gooseberries, which have not yet found 

 place in one garden of twenty to any tolerable extent. Yet how few cultivate the 

 Pie-Plant ! Why, we know not, for nearly all are fond of it when properly cooked, 

 and it can be raised as easy as the Burdock when onco introduced into the soil. 

 Neither of them will grow successfully in poor soils. The Burdock chooses a location 

 for itself, and the Pie-Plant is nearly always thrust into some poor corner of the 

 neglected garden, and then blamed excessively if it will not produce large, fine foot- 

 stalks where even common weeds would refuse to grow, and where no grass would 

 vegetate, unless it be the ever intrusive Quack. We once planted some miserable, 

 puny roots of the Pie-Plant in a rich, deep soil. The consequence was, the next 

 year the size of the footstalk increased one-half. The following autumn, before the 

 setting in of frost, we covered the bed some three or four inches deep with fresh 

 horse manure. This kept the roots in fine preservation through the winter; and early 

 in spring, when the ground was fairly settled, the manure was mixed with the earth 

 by a deep and thorough forking. No wonder that the vigor of our plants was 

 increased in a wonderful proportion ! As soon as any buds appeared they were taken 

 off — the leaves were cut as often as they became large enough for use. The next 

 autumn we gave the usual protection of manure, and the following spring we forked 

 it in. This course we have now followed for four years with some plants we took 

 from neglected grass land. Now mark the result : from the miserable, puny leaves 

 and stalks of the first year's growth, when the stalks were not more than six inches 



