76 VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 



fertilised with well-rotted stable manure prior to planting. Where artificial 

 manures are used, those containing a percentage of nitrogen are advised, such 

 as blood and bonedust, at the rate of 3 to 4 cwt. per acre. 



The first year's cultivation in the field should aim at keeping down weed 

 growth and stirring the soil ; pulling of stems this season is not advisable. 

 During the following autumn or winter each plant should be given a dressing 

 of farmyard manure, which should be dug in later on. Each succeeding 

 autumn the crop should be well manured and the soil kept loose between the 

 plants throughout their growth. 



When the crop is in bearing only the larger leaves should be pulled, and 

 these, by holding the leaf stem well down towards the crown and making a 

 straight pull, or else making a jerk downwards, while at the same time giving 

 the stalk an outward twist. The leaves should be tied in bunches of suitable 

 size for marketing, and the stems in the bunches should be of one grade. 

 The smaller leaves are allowed to grow, in order to recoup the plant for some 

 of the loss occassioned by the pulling of the larger leaves. Should the plants 

 attempt to run to seed, the seed heads should be immediately cut out as seed- 

 bearing is very exhausting. If it is desired that the bed should last for any 

 length of time, pulling must only be carried out during a few months of the 

 year, and not too many stalks should be pulled from the plant at the one 

 time. 



In order to obtain extra long stems it is usual to place half barrels or boxes, 

 without tops or bottoms, over the plants, and thus by partially excluding the 

 light, to cause elongation of the stems. 



Of the several varieties on the market the following may be mentioned as 

 among the best : Sydney Crimson Winter, Victoria or Giant, and Topps' 

 Winter. 



ROCK-MELON. 



See Melon (page 59). 



SAGE. 



See Herbs (page 56). 



SHALLOT. 



See Eschalot (page 55). 



SILVER BEET OR SILVER SPINACH. 



See Beet (page 42). 



SPINACH. 



A plant grown for its leaves, which are boiled and served like cabbage. 

 It is best suited for cool districts, and in the warm districts of the State it 

 should only be grown in the cool weather. On the tablelands, plantings are 

 made in the spring and autumn. When the plants are up they must be 

 kept well watered during dry times else they will run to seed. 



