GLOBE ARTICHOKE 7 



able quantities imported into this country. There is a 

 Purple variety that does well in this country, having 

 much the same character as the large Green and only 

 differing in colour ; and there is a smaller form that is 

 largely grown abroad called the Perpetual, and this differs 

 from the Globe or large round headed, the scales being 

 more curved inwards at the tops. The plants produce 

 freely till cut down by frost when grown in this country. 

 In France the Perpetual is much liked when cooked 

 before it is full grown, and in sheltered positions may be 

 had nearly the whole year. It is of a purplish gray colour. 

 As regards cultural details, they may be described as 

 simple, providing deeply dug land not too heavy is 

 given, and well enriched with manure. The plant being 

 a gross feeder needs ample food. An open position should 

 be selected, and in clayey soils I have seen burnt refuse 

 or old leaf soil used to advantage. I have previously 

 noted that it is well to plant every three years ; indeed 

 where there is a large demand for fine heads I would 

 prefer making a new quarter yearly, as by so doing the 

 plants produce finer heads and continue to form them 

 much later in the season. The plant in light or gravelly 

 soils is soon affected by drought, and in such soils there 

 should always be liberal top dressings in the way of 

 mulching, the latter given just as the plants commence 

 to form heads, and copious supplies of liquid manure 

 will be beneficial. The plant also enjoys occasional 

 dressing of salt, and in gardens where liquid manure is 

 unobtainable I would advise a liberal dressing of fertiliser 

 of a quick acting nature. Doubtless the most important 

 point is to get a good variety and keep it by root division 

 early in the spring, the land having been previously pre- 

 pared ; indeed it is well to dig and manure the land some 

 weeks in advance of planting if the soil is not of a 

 clayey nature, as then it is in better condition for the 

 plant. The suckers are taken from the parent plant 



