VEGETABLES. 265 



generation. There is really no telling how long it might continue in first 

 class condition; if ill used, however, a plantation after ten or twelve years 

 of cutting, is liable to show signs of weakness, when it should be dis- 

 carded. Many people continue to cut for too long a time, and in this as 

 in all other cases, covetousness meets its reward. The beds must be very 

 strong that will bear cutting after June. 



If young seedlings spring up from last year's scattered seed, weed them 

 out. There are quite a number of newer varieties, as for instance, the 

 Palmetto, Mammoth, Moor's Cross-bred, Giant, etc. The introducers 

 claim great things for them, but previous experience with improved varie- 

 ties of asparagus leads me to not be over sanguine in regard to any of the 

 newer kinds. Conover's Colossal we know to be good and reliable. The 

 future will disclose what there is about the others. 



DISCUSSION. 



Joshua Allyn: Asparagus is a vegetable that we all ought 

 to raise. It is one of the easiest things to grow in the world. 

 It will last a lifetime. My plants are set one foot deep. Deep 

 cultivation is far better than shallow. Get it down deep and 

 give it plenty of manure, and work it in well. 



M. Cutler: You want moist land rather than medium? 



Joshua Allyn: I use moist ground every time. 



James Taylor: Mine is on the highest ground I have got. 



Pres. Elliot: I used to grow asparagus once, and I think 

 Mr. Allyn's theory is the correct one. You want to plant deep 

 enough so you can get in with your shovel plow, and when you 

 get through have stakes set so you know where your rows are. 

 In the spring you do not want to disturb it until the weeds be- 

 gin to show a little, then you want to go in with your hooks, 

 regardless of the asparagus. 



J. M. Underwood: I believe for small planting it will do 

 better without cultivation; put on plenty of manure and all you 

 have to do is to cut it when you want it. Put boards around 

 your bed, fill it up with manure, and you will not have to do 

 anything more with it. 



Joshua Allyn : What is practicable for the market gardener 

 is practicable for every gardener. 



Dr. Frisselle: As asparagus is a native of salt marshes I 

 think it indicates it should have salt. 



R. P. Lupton: If the plants are set three feet apart in the 

 row will they not fill up the space between? 



Pres. Elliot: They will keep on increasing and spread out. 

 There is one point that has been overlooked in this question. 



