Sea Kale Shallot Spinach 



theoretically correct. The fact is, the root is tough and enduring, 

 and suffers but little by moderate exposure to the atmosphere if 

 handled in a reasonable manner. But to return to the seeds : they 

 sprout quickly, and, soon after, the plants make rapid progress. Let 

 them have liberal culture, keep them scrupulously clean, and thin 

 them in good time to at least two feet apart. If quite convenient, 

 give them a light sprinkling of salt occasionally in the summer : they 

 will enjoy it, and the leaves will not be injured in the least. 



SHALLOT 



Allium ascalonicum 



THE old-fashioned mode of culture is to plant on the shortest, and 

 dig the crop on the longest, day ; but that is only applicable to the 

 milder parts of the country. As a rule, spring is the best time for 

 planting, and it should be done as early as the ground can be got into 

 working order certainly not later than the middle of April. The 

 soil should be in a friable condition, and it must be trodden firmly, 

 after the manner usual for an Onion bed. Merely press the bulbs 

 into the soil to keep them in position, and put them in rows one 

 foot apart, and nine inches apart in the rows. They should not be 

 earthed up, but, on the contrary, when approaching maturity the 

 soil should be drawn away so as to expose the bulbs, for this facili- 

 tates the ripening process. 



When large bulbs are required for exhibition or other purposes, 

 the cloves as the divisions of each root are called should be 

 planted separately ; but for general use moderate-sized bulbs, planted 

 whole, will produce a heavier crop. 



To store the roots for any length of time it will be necessary to 

 have them well ripened, and this point demands consideration. If 

 dry weather could be insured for harvesting the crop, it might be 

 allowed to finish in the ground; but as this cannot be relied on, it is a 

 wise precaution to lift the crop on some suitable opportunity before 

 it is quite ready, and allow the ripening to be completed in a protected 

 airy place. 



SPINACH 



Spinacia oleracea 



SPINACH plays an important part in the economy of the dinner table. 

 There are unfortunate beings who cannot eat it, for they describe it 



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