THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 21 



kept at least five feet from the ground at tbe extremities. The 

 tree will of its own accord increase in height a few inches every 

 year over the crown. This must not be interfered with, for it gives 

 to it a more natural apjiearance than when trained. 



In a sheltered spot, and planted in the soil recommended, a few 

 years would do much in the formation of a standard tree. The 

 frame and supporting stake must, of course, be left to its chance, 

 for, after a few years, the tree will so entwine itself about it, that it 

 would be almost impossible to remove it, although the tree might 

 be able to support itself. The frame, at all events, will be no eye- 

 sore, for the growth soon hides it. The tree will also extend itself 

 outwardly, if left alone ; but this must be allowed only by small 

 degrees beyond the frame, until the growth becomes strong enough 

 to support itself, and then it may be allowed to spread three or four 

 feet farther than the frame, if desired. The tree in the Crystal 

 Palace grounds is of a considerable age, and is now standing without 

 a support of any kind. 



ON FORCINa VEGETABLES. 



BY W. BRADBURY, 



||HE forcing of asparagus, seakale, and a few other 

 vet^etables, is by no means of a difficult character, and 

 a very few words will suflSce to explain the details 

 sufficiently to enable the inexperienced amateur to act 

 upon them. French beans require a properly heated 

 structure, and some knowledge of their peculiarities before they can 

 be grown under glass with a fair degree of success, and it therefore 

 does not appear desirable to include them with those vegetables 

 which can be grown in rough-and-ready contrivances, and from the 

 hints that willbe given as we proceed. 



Asparagus.— This delicious vegetable is usually so much appre- 

 ciated that wlierever it is practicable a rather liberal supply should 

 be maintained during the early spring. There are two ways of forcing 

 it. One in the beds, by means of fermentingmaterials and a covering of 

 glass ; and the other in pits or frames. The last-mentioned plan is 

 the one to which we shall now direct attention, because to force it 

 in the beds they must be specially prepared for forcing when 

 formed. As asparagus is practically worthless when white, except- 

 ing it be to look at, it should be grown in the full light, and a moderate 

 circulation of air maintained in the frame for the development of 

 the full flavour. The simplest course is to make up a good bed of 

 leaves, put a one- or two- light frame upon it, and, alter covering the 

 surface with a good layer of light soil, pack the roots close together. 

 They will require a covering of two or three inches of fine soil, and a 

 little soil should also be worked between the roots to insure a proper 

 degree of moisture being maintained about them. By lifting them 

 with a moderate quantity of soil adhering to the roots, they will hardly 

 feel the removal, and will, with the assistance of a genial warmth 



January. 



