8 
appeared certain variations in the product of different beds which have 
led to the bestowing of a new name; but the effect of this care and 
these favorable conditions is not sufficiently strong to produce distinct 
varieties witb fixed characteristics. Generally these ‘* varieties” differ 
only in asingle characteristic, and these differences, for the most part, 
are so little constant that they are lost when grown under different cli- 
matic and soil conditions. Therefore, with correct and rational treat- 
ment of the plant from time of seeding through all the stages of culture, 
satisfactory results may be reached with almost any of the varieties on 
the market. 
PRODUCTION OF PLANTS FROM SEED. 
To the asparagus grower there are two methods by which plants can 
be secured, (1) by purchasing or saving the seed from which to raise 
them, and (2) by purchasing the plants from either a seedsman or some 
grower. ‘Taking the second method, as being the quickest way to start 
a bed as well as the most easily disposed of, it is suggested that roots 
over 2 years old be rejected, and only 1-year old roots selected if a 
sufficient number can be secured, as the latter are much better and 
will in the course of a few years produce more and larger spears to the 
plant and yield profitable crops for a longer period. It is best to deal 
with reliable firms; they will be more likely to supply plants of both 
the kind and age desired. It is extremely difficult for anyone not an ex- 
pert to distinguish the difference between the various sorts, and’ doubt- 
less many ‘‘ varieties” are often supplied from the same lot of roots; 
nor is it easy to tell the difference between a strong, well-grown 
1-year plant and a small and stunted 2-year old (the left over of last 
year’s supply) left unmanured, uncultivated the second season, that 
the development might be retarded. 
SAVING THE SEED. 
For the above reasons only reliable seedsmen should be trusted, or 
the seed should be procured from some neighbor who has the desired 
variety and has taken proper care in producing and saving the seed, if 
the first plan is to be followed. If one already has an asparagus bed 
of the desired sort, producing fine spears, and of the proper age (8 to 
12 years old) for seed production, it is always best to save seed from 
it for new plantings. 
The growing of one’s own plants is preferable, both because of the 
extra year intervening between the determination to plant and the 
actual setting out of the bed, thereby permitting the soil of the pro- 
posed bed to be put ina better and more friable condition, and because, 
good seed having been secured and proper care given to the young 
plants, a more satisfactory supply of the young roots is obtained. 
That there are objections to growing one’s own seed is undoubtedly 
true, but there are also compensating advantages, and if proper care 
is exercised it will pay the grower to raise his own seed (from beds 
