206 GARDENING FOR PROFIT. 



SHALLOTS. — {Allium ascalonicum.) 



This vegetable, which is used in the green state in early 

 spring as a substitute for Onions, is planted by dividing 

 the bulb in September, and planting in rows 1 foot apart 

 and 6 inches between the plants ; it makes a slight growth 

 and forms its roots in the fall. On the opening of spring, 

 it developes rapidly, and the single bulb, planted in Sep- 

 tember, will have increased, by May, a dozen fold. From 

 its hardy nature, coming in at least three weeks earlier 

 than the Onion, large quantities are sold, at rates corre- 

 sponding with those of Onions raised from sets. It, with us, 

 has ever been a profitable vegetable to raise, and I have 

 rarely found the profits on an acre to have been less than 

 $300. It is generally cleared off by the last week in May, 

 giving sufficient time to follow with second crops of 

 Early Cabbage, Beets, Turnips, etc. 



SORREL.— {Bumex acetosa.) 



A well-knoAvn perennial plant, cultivated to some ex- 

 tent' with us. It is used in soups and sauces, mostly by 

 the Germans and French. In the French markets, it is 

 nearly as abundant as Spinach is in ours, and is highly re- 

 commended as a wholesome vegetable. Its cultivation is 

 very simple. Seeds, sown thinly in rows in early spring' 

 will give a heavy crop of leaves in June and July ; when 

 the flower-stalk of the Sorrel starts to grow, it should be 

 cut out, which will add greatly to the development of the 

 leaves. The crop may be left two seasons, but is more 

 tender when annually raised from seed. 



