MONTHLY CALENDAR. 465 



newly-trenched ground ; but much may depend on the nature of the soil ; it 

 is, however, proper that stiflf soils be dug some time previous to cropping,- 

 •especially in sowing small seeds, as turniij. The soil will dry in hard lumps at 

 first ; but advantage must be taken of the first shower that wets the soil through, 

 as it will then readily fall to pieces under the rake. On light soils this is of 

 less consequence, and it is as well to sow immediately after digging, as the seeds 

 vegetate quicker. At this time, it is very necessary to keep the weeds down, 

 as their growth is very rapid in showery weather ; it is also beneficial to 

 -crops to keep the ground stirred between them, and collect all useless matter 

 as fast as possible. 



1397. Asjoaragus. — Cease cutting early this month, unless some parts can 

 be spared for late use, when it must have a rest the following season. Late 

 cutting has the eSect of weakening the roots, but they will recover after a 

 season's rest, if they have not been cut too closely. Hoe frequently between 

 the rows. 



1398. Articholes will now be in bearing. Cut when the heads are about 

 three parts open. These root deeply, and scarcely require water. 



1399. Seal-ale should have an abundance of water, particularly young 

 plants. Soot or wood-ashes strewn about them will, in a great measure, 

 prevent the attacks of insects. 



1400. Beans. — Pull up early crops as soon as they have done bearing ; 

 those advancing will produce better for being well watered, for which pur- 

 pose make a groove each side of the rows, and give enough to soak the ground 

 to a considerable depth : they had better be left alone than inefficient!}' 

 watered. 



1401. Runner- Beans. — Apply strong sticks if not already done. These may 

 be kept dwarf by picking oflf the ninners as fast as they appear ; but it is much 

 better to let them have full play by providing supports : the produce is tenfold 

 greater. 



1402. Peas. — If any are sown this month, let it be sorts that bear equally, or 

 the shortening days will prevent their bearing at all. Dwarf early sorts are good 

 to sow this month. Clear away any that have ceased to be productive, and 

 stake any that are just above ground. As they grow quickly at this time, any 

 delay in this respect will be inconvenient to the operator as well as damaging 

 to the crop. Copious waterings will greatly benefit those coming into flower, 

 but may be discontinued when they begin to pod, excepting tall sorts, which 

 continue bearing and flowering at the same time. 



1403. Celery.— Bnr'mg this month the main crop should be got out, direc- 

 tions for which were given last month. If this is planted where peas had 

 previously grown, make the trenches between, not on the rows where the 

 ground has been heavily drawn, or the crop will not be so good. It is very 

 proper to give early crops plenty of room, so that, should they not be ready 

 to clear away, such crops as this may be planted between, while they are 

 growing. 



1404. Cardoons, like celery, should be got out in the trenches, remembering 



2 H 



