MONTHLY CALENDAR. 673 



gi-e attention to the state of the drainage : unless surplus water gets away 

 readily, great inconveniences may result. Heavy rains may make the garden 

 a swamp, and spoil the crops already put in, besides preventing others being 

 sown or planted. 



2094. The state of the ground, upon all occasions where imperfect drainage 

 exists, renders it soft and slimy to the feet, and difficult to cultivate. 



2095. Asparagus, if not already done, should be cut down, and the beds 

 receive a dressing of very rotten dung, which may be forked in or not ; ib 

 signifies but little, as its fertilizing qualities will be washed into the ground 

 during the winter, and the rest will be so pulverized as to fork in all the easier 

 in March ; but previous to manuring, all weeds should either be removed, or 

 completely covered by the dressing. If it is intended to make new beds, no 

 better time can be chosen than the present ior trenching the ground. If 

 done now, the new surface will bo exposed to atmospheric influences the 

 whole winter long, and, if frequently turned, will be in fine condition for 

 planting the following April. 



2096. Artichokes. — A good mulching of leaves will be of considerable 

 benefit to these in protecting the crowns from the frost. Let the ends of the 

 leaves be exposed, and let them be killed. If a good cordon of leaves grows 

 round the collar of each, they will stand better and come in earlier. 



2097. Seal-ale. — As the leaves decay and detach themselves, they may be 

 removed ; but, unless pots and hot dung are soon to be applied, it is not 

 necessary to remove them ; in fact, I have some doubts as to the propriety of 

 doing so. 



2098. Beans. — On light ground and sunny borders, these may be put in 

 without fear of failure. Without such advantages, autumn-sowing of them 

 is not to be generally recommended ; the true purpose of it is to have crops 

 a trifle earlier than they would be by deferring the sowing till February ; but 

 the loss dm-ing the winter counterbalances the advantages in other respects, 

 and sowing now may be left to those who have plenty of room. 



2099. Runner- Beans. — Pull up these, as they will produce nothing more 

 this season ; the haum may be pulled off" the sticks ; or, if all pulled up toge- 

 ther, the leaves will soon drop off and the haum dry, when all may be chopped 

 up together for firewood, or tied in faggots, and may be kept for many useful 

 purposes. Some burn them out of the way at once. 



■2100. Peas, like beans, may be sown now, and with the same proviso as to 

 the nature of the ground. I have known crops lost during damp winters, 

 and would not recommend autumn-sowing to those who have not an abundanca 

 of room. Early sorts are, of course, best for sowing now. 



2ior. Celery. — It is advisable to give the final earthing-up during this 

 month : it grows much slower after this month, and must be allowed time to 

 blanch. Besides, should severe frost set in, it might be injured by exposure. 

 Even that grown merely for soups, &,c., had better receive a little earthing 

 for protection ; and if dusted with lime to destroy slugs, before earthing, so 

 much the better, 



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