CHAP. XVI VILLA GAEDENIXG 461 



deep into the earth when thej- get a chance. I have lifted roots 

 whose tap-roots could be traced 4 feet deep ; hence the vahie of 

 deep culture early in autumn, the laud to be thrown up roughly to 

 sweeten and pulverise it. Towards the end of January the surface 

 should be tm-ned up with a steel fork ; the dressing of soot, etc., 

 may be apj^lied then, and forked in. About the end of February 

 or the beginning of March is a good time to 



Sow THE Seeds, which shoidd be new or nearly so, though 

 two-year-old seeds will grow very well. Sow in drills, which 

 shoidd be 18 inches ajmrt, and about half an inch deep. The 

 seeds should be scattered thinly and evenly ; select a calm day, 

 and cover with fine soil. Sow only when the surface is dry, and 

 run the feet along the drills when the seeds are covered, to make 

 all firm and snug. 



Thinning the Crop. — As soon as the little plants appear 

 above ground, run the Dutch hoe between the rows to loosen the 

 soil, and kill the annual weeds which generally make their appear- 

 ance at this season. Frequent stirring also pushes on growth, as 

 there is something about a freshly-stirred surface that all plants 

 seem to enjoy. When finally singled out the plants should stand 

 from 6 to 9 inches apart. After thinning is finished an occasional 

 hoeing is all that is needed till the crop is fit to lift. Parsnips 

 are fit for use when large enough, but many think they are 

 better flavoured after frost sets in. The roots shoidd be lifted 

 fresh from the ground as required, for if taken from the moist 

 earth, they soon shrivel ; but they should all be lifted before 

 growth is much developed in March. A considerable bulk per 

 acre can be grown ; therefore Parsnips are a iirofitable croj} to 

 gi'ow for stock feeding. They are excellent for milch cows, and 

 all kinds of stock eat them readily. 



Varieties. — Elcome's Improved Guernsey, the Hollow Crowned, 

 and the Student, comprise the chief varieties. The last-named is 

 an excellent variety for garden cidture. 



Saving Seeds. — Select some of the handsomest roots early in 

 February, and plant them in rows 2 feet apart. Thin out the 

 umbels of flowers where the plants are very strong. Some people 

 cut out the centre ; this prevents overcrowding. When approach- 

 ing ripeness cut the stems, and hang them up in a dry room or 

 shed to complete the harvesting ; then the seeds may be thrashed 

 out. Carrots may be served in the same way. 



Vegetable Marro-ws. — -The site for these, provided it be an 

 open one and away from the shade of trees, is a matter of little 

 consequence. Sometimes accumidations of rubbish are gathered 

 together in out-of-the-way corners, and a group of Vegetable 



