CHAP. XXV VILLA GARDENING 493 



crisp and cool, they are uneatable and useless. It is better to sow 

 in drills, as this ijermits of frequent siu'face-stirring, and also leaves 

 space between the rows for a mulch of short manure, which is a 

 great advantage, especially in summer. When the plants come up 

 too thickly, some of the smallest should be thinned out. When 

 young every part of the Radish may be used in the salad bowl, 

 and the later plants, thinned out where too thick, may be washed 

 and used in the mixed salad. In dry weather Radishes must have 

 water, and it should always be given in the evening. To ensure 

 quick germination in hot weather, water the soil thoroughly the 

 day before the seeds are sown, or if sown in drills soak them with 

 liquid manure just before sowing, and cover in with light soil. 

 Cover the beds with mats till the seeds germinate, or shade 

 in some way. 



Water-cress. — There are several ways of securing a supply of 

 this wholesome plant. In winter the cuttings may be planted in 

 pans of light rich soil in the greenhouse. The pots or pans shoidd 

 be plunged in Moss, which should be kept damp. A frame which 

 can be kept close if desired will do for its culture in spring and 

 summer, and it may be planted in the open air. In gardens Avhere 

 the water is laid on it will be a very easy matter to make an 

 artificial hollow, and plant it with cuttings of Water-cress, 3 inches 

 or so apart, and turn the water on occasionally as required. After 

 each cutting a little top-dressing of light rich soil will be beneficial. 

 Where cuttings cannot be obtained the plants may be raised from 

 seeds, sown in pots of Light soil, placed in a frame, and kept close 

 till germination takes place, when, as soon as large enough to 

 handle, they should be dealt with in the same way as cuttings are. 



Rampion. — This plant has a white root like a Radish, which 

 may either be eaten as a Radish or sliced up in the mixed salad. 

 Sow the seeds in May and June. The seeds are like fine dust, 

 and the beds must be carefully prepared and thoroughly pulverised. 

 If sown in diills draw them very shallow, about 5 or 6 inches 

 apart, not more, and cover lightly with very fine soil. If the 

 weather should be dry, water the driUs before sowing the seeds. 

 When the plants come up, thin out to 6 inches apart. Water 

 when necessary, and keep clean. It is as well to make two or 

 three sowings dming May, June, and July. The first will come 

 into use in autumn, and the others in winter. The roots may be 

 taken up and stored like Turnips in winter, or be covered with 

 dry leaves or Ferns, to keep out frost. 



Various Cresses. — The plain-leaved Cress is the one most 

 commonly grown, and it may be sown any time. In winter make 

 weekly sowings under glass. From the first of April to the end of 



