CULTIVATION 71 
heavy application of manure was given to the entire 
bed. The following year but few shoots appeared in 
the strips which had been cut all through the summer. 
These were treated the same as before, and in the third 
year not a sprout appeared in the alleys. The stalks 
left for use improved greatly during the first year and 
the third year were of good serviceable size and quality, 
so that even after the new bed, which had been planted 
at the time this experiment was commenced, came into 
bearing, the old one was retained for several years 
longer. Probably if the vacant strips had been made 
three or four feet wide the result would have been 
still better. This experience suggests the idea that 
the easiest and least expensive way of exterminating 
an old asparagus bed is to persistently mow down 
all the shoots for a season or two. 
