280 GJLRDEN MANAGEME^T. 



one or two ; others prefer large ones, cut in two or more, assuming that a large 

 potato makes stronger shoots, capable of standing erect in full light of day. 



759. Carrots may be sown early this month, but the main crop should bo 

 deferred till the first week in April. Such sorts as the intermediate may 

 be sown in the four succeeding months : they will be useful to those who 

 like to have this vegetable fresh and sweet from the ground. The groxmd. 

 should be deeply dug or bastard-trenched in autumn, left at first in a rough 

 state ; but when it has been well frosted, stir and level it in January or 

 February. For the purpose of doing this, the Canterbury hoe (that is a hoo 

 having three prongs instead of a blade) is a very useful implement. This 

 treatment of the soil applies in all cases of spring-sowing, especially if the 

 ground is heavy or retentive : in that case it will not fall to pieces, unless it 

 has been frosted and dried by winds. In preparing the ground for carrots, no 

 manure should be applied : it is known that it induces them to fork, and they 

 are more likely to become grub-eaten. A dressing of sand is advantageous. 



760. Cabbages. — It is advisable to sow some cabbage-seed of a quick-hearting 

 sort, to follow those raised in Januaiy, or that have stood the winter. They 

 will be of great service in July and the following months. The Early York, 

 Large York, Nonpareil, Matchless, or indeed any sort, will do for the purpose. 

 Sow broadcast on a warm sheltered spot, and protect from birds with light 

 litter or netting ; but, if covered with litter, it must be uncovered to admit 

 light and air, or the plants will be drawn up weak. Avoid planting cabbages 

 when the ground is soddened after heavy rains. The soil is best when 

 tolerably dry, and the state of the weather most favourable is a dull day 

 preceding rain. It is an excellent plan at all times to mulch the roots of the 

 young plants in a compost of soil and soot, wetted to the consistency of thick 

 paste. This saves a great deal of trouble in watering afterwards, and in the 

 driest weather will generally prevent flagging. Broccoli-plants so treated will 

 be found very free from clubbing. All young plants should be set deep, 

 certainly to within an inch of the first leaf. 



761. Cauliflower-seed sown now will furnish plants for planting out in May 

 and June : it may be sown in the open ground, or in a frame or hand-glass. 

 Sow on the surface, tread and rake, and protect with litter or netting. 



762. Broccoli, such sorts as Walcheren, Purple Cape, or any sort that heads 

 in autumn, should be sown at this time in the same manner as cabbage or 

 cauliflower. They will be ready to plant out for good in May or June, and will 

 be very useful at a time when summer crops are over, and winter crops not 

 ready. 



763. French Beans may be sown towards the end of this month, choosing 

 an early dwarf sort ; but the principal sowing should be deferred till next 

 month : those sown this month should be in a border, sheltered from cold 

 winds, but open to the full sun. This crop is less hardy than most others, 

 being often cut off by late spring frosts, of which it is very susceptible ; for 

 that reason, it is advisable to sow rather sparingly this month, and also to sow 

 rather thickly. Draw some drills two feet apart and two inches deep ; drop 



