A GARDEN 



139 



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Marketing. — It seems to be quite generally believed that 

 farming consists simply in growing things. This idea does 

 not represent the case. Products must be sold to advantage 

 or there is no profit in growing them. Vegetables are dif- 

 ficult to market, because most garden products deteriorate 

 very rapidly after being harvested. It is, therefore, im- 

 portant that one give very careful study to the selection of 

 varieties, growing products of good quality, harvesting at 



the proper time and in 

 the proper way, packing 

 them in an attractive, con- 

 venient package, and then 

 delivering them promptly 

 and in good condition, 

 when they are wanted. 



Perennial Sorts. — 

 Asparagus, horse - radish 

 and rhubarb are peren- 

 nials; that is, they grow 

 year after year without 

 being replanted. It is 

 important, therefore, to 

 start them where they are 

 wanted permanently. 

 Roots are usually secured 

 rather than seed, and set 

 out in good rich, mellow 

 soil. If the soil is kept 

 cultivated and well fertiUzed, it is necessary to harvest 

 only what is wanted. Parsnips are biennial; that is, they 

 live but two years. Seed is planted in the spring early and 

 rather thickly, so as to insure a good stand. The plants 

 are thinned out later, leaving a plant every two to four 

 inches in the row. The roots, the part eaten, may be dug 

 in the fall, and stored, or, if preferred, the roots may be left 

 in the ground all winter and harvested in the spring. 



Hardy Vegetables. — Onions are a popular and important 

 vegetable. They are grown chiefly from seed, planted as 

 early in the spring as the soil may be prepared. The seed 

 is sown in drills from twelve inches to sixteen inches apart. 



Rgure 61. — Some notable turnips. 



