18 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



pounds of muriate or high-grade sulphate of potash (or 

 other chemicals supplying the same amount of available 

 phosphoric acid and potash). At the same time it may 

 be remembered that Asparagus may be raised in any 

 ordinarily rich soil. 



The soil should be in the best of tilth and free of 

 weeds. If very clayey, it would be well to work in a 

 considerable amount of sand or fine coal-ashes. If acid, 

 it should be limed. Subsoiling is not necessary except 

 with a wet soil; but in case of a high water-table it 

 would be wise to under-drain. 



Where there is a choice, the land should have a 

 southerly exposure, and in any case should be open to 

 the sun all day. 



In buying plants -, go to a reputable dealer, and if 

 possible to one in the immediate neighborhood. Get 

 plants, if possible, from an unrusted field. Only year- 

 ling plants should be used; tests have proved that the 

 future yield will be much larger. 



Setting. Furrows should be made eight inches in 

 depth, and widened at the bottom to about a foot. In 

 these, at the required distances, the roots should be 

 placed upon little hummocks made by the hand and 

 patted firm. The depth of the crowns will then be 

 about six to seven inches. Spread the roots out evenly 

 so as not to interfere or crowd, and cover immediately 

 with about three inches of soil; press down firmly, and 

 scatter a little earth loosely for a mulch. A pint of 



