884 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



and early kind. It may be grown from seeds or pieces of the roots, the latter saving two years 

 time. When seeds are sown, they should be put in drills eighteen inches apart and covered 

 with fine soil. When the plants are strong enough, thin out to six inches in the rows. In 

 the following spring transplant the roots into deep, rich soil three feet apart each way. The 

 stalks should not be cut until the third spring after sowing. The best way is to plant pieces 

 of the roots, which will produce stalks that may be used in one season. Give frequent cultiva 

 tion, and cut out all the seed stalks as soon as they appear. 



Salsify or Oyster Plant. This is a fine vegetable that is cooked the same as car 

 rots, or, after being boiled, is fried like oysters, which it much resembles in flavor. The cul 

 ture is the same as that recommended for carrots and parsnips. It is a hardy plant, and may 

 remain in the ground all winter for early spring use. It succeeds best in a light mellow soil, 

 that has been well enriched and tilled quite deep. 



Spinach. This is an important crop for the market gardens, and should be cultivated 

 in every farmer s garden, as it furnishes excellent &quot;greens&quot; that resemble in flavor the leaves 

 of the beet plant. There are many varieties, the ROUND-LEAVED VIROFLAY being of the 

 most luxuriant growth, and the NEW ZEALAND and PRICKLY or FALL variety being the most 

 hardy and of excellent quality, although the latter is not as productive or as large-leaved as 

 the others mentioned. The New Zealand endures the heat and drouth of summer the best 

 of any. For spring and summer use, sow as early as practicable in the spring, in rich, mel 

 low soil, either broadcast or in drills one foot apart, and every two weeks for a succession. 

 Drill sowing is to be preferred, as it admits of after culture. As it grows, thin out for use, 

 keeping it clear of muck. For winter and early spring use, sow in September in rich, well- 

 manured ground; in fact, the soil cannot be too rich, since the richer the soil the more deli 

 cate and succulent will be the leaves. As cold weather approaches cover with straw, and 

 remove it early in the spring. Spinach, when properly cared for, may be had for use during 

 nearly all the year. 



Squash. The squash plant is very sensitive to cold, and should therefore not be 

 planted in the Middle and Northern States until after all danger of frost is past. There 

 are many excellent varieties, both winter and summer, and new ones are constantly 

 making their appearance. The land should be made very rich, and plenty of room should 

 be given the thrifty growing vines The hills should be at least ten feet apart. Deposit the 

 seed when the soil is warm, using plenty of seed, thinning out to two or three plants in a 

 hill after they have commenced growing well. Dusting the vines with Pyrethrum powder, 

 plaster, soot, wood ashes, etc., as recommended for cucumbers, vill aid in driving away the 

 beetle or bug. The vines should be closely watched in sections where the maggot proves 

 destructive. The eggs from which it is hatched are laid on the stem near the root, and at the 

 base of the leaf stem, or point of union of the leaf, stalk, and vine. The maggot bores into 

 a vine, eating its way through the pith, and if left undisturbed for a few days, will frequently 

 destroy a large vine. When detected in season, the worm may be killed with a sharp-pointed 

 wire; but the better way is to guard against the bugs in the first place, and, if possible, pre 

 vent them from laying their eggs in the vines. 



Tomatoes. The tomato has become one of the most important of garden vegetables, 

 and may be canned and used in many ways throughout the entire year. It was formerly 

 grown in gardens simply for ornament. Sow the seed in hot beds or boxes of earth in the 

 house, placing the box in a south window where the warm sunshine will aid in starting the 

 young plants. Plant out in the open air in a well-prepared bed, as soon as all danger of frost 

 is passed. Set one plant in a hill, the hills to be four feet apart each way. The soil 

 should be made rich with well decomposed manure mixed with it. Water the plants freely 

 at the time of transplanting, unless it be in misty or rainy weather, and shield from the hot 



