A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



are watered and placed near the cellar win- 

 dows, where they sprout and become sturdy 

 plants by the time the ground is fit to work 

 in the garden, when the cases are cut in all 

 directions with the point of a sharp knife, 

 care being taken not to disturb the mould in 

 any way. A hole is made in the ground and 

 the box submerged. Soon the force of the 

 growing plants demolishes the rotting paper 

 of the box; the tubers continue to develop 

 without check, and furnish new potatoes 

 for several dinners in May, when they are 

 luxuries and so duly appreciated. 



Rhubarb and asparagus can be consid- 

 erably hastened in the garden by covering 

 clumps with barrels which have had the 

 heads knocked out, or empty cases. Which- 

 ever are used, the treatment is the same. 

 Place the "protector" firmly over the plant, 

 and bank up leaves or straw and stable man- 

 ure all round the outside. At night or on 

 very cold days, cover the top of the shelter 

 with burlap, glass, or oiled muslin. 



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