The Culture of Vegetables 



may sow in the open in the early part of May, and thin the plants to 

 the distance named. 



Perpetual Spinach, or Spinach Beet (Beta Cicld}.K 

 valuable plant for producing a continuous supply of leaves which 

 make an excellent Spinach at a period of the year when the ordinary 

 Summer Spinach is past its prime. Although it is a true Beet, the 

 roots are worthless, and there should be liberal treatment to insure 

 an abundant growth of leaves. Sow in March, April, and again at 

 the end of July or beginning of August, in rows one foot apart, and 

 thin the plants to a distance of six or eight inches in the rows. 

 When the leaves are ready for gathering, they must be removed, 

 whether wanted or not, to promote continuous growth. 



STACHYS TUBERIFERA 



THIS vegetable is commonly known as the Chinese Artichoke, and 

 from the peculiar form it is also called Spirals. A wide difference 

 of opinion exists as to its value, but this may be said in its favour : 

 the tubers are often exhibited in the finest collections of vegetables 

 staged for competition. 



The time for planting is early spring, in rows eighteen inches 

 apart, allowing a distance of nine inches in the rows. The proper 

 depth is four inches. The roots are quite hardy and the crop gives 

 no trouble. After planting it is only necessary to keep the plot free 

 from weeds. 



The tubers do not mature until late in autumn, and as far as 

 possible it is advisable to lift them when they are wanted. Should it 

 be necessary for any reason to clear the ground, the Stachys must be 

 covered with soil. When exposed to light and air they soon become 

 discoloured and are then unfit for cooking. It is usual to boil them 

 in the same manner as Potatoes, and to serve with poultry or joint. 



STRAWBERRY 



Fragaria 



PROBABLY the first thought will be that the Strawberry is a fruit, and 

 that the consideration of its treatment is out of place in a series of 

 articles on the culture of vegetables. The answer is that the plant 



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