34 ESCULENT ROOTS. 



attained their full size, they are usually dressed in the man- 

 ner of Skirret and Scorzonera. 



JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE. 



Helianthus tuberosus. 



The Jerusalem Artichoke is a hardy perennial. In its 

 manner of growth and flowering it much resembles the com- 

 mon sunflower, of which, as its scientific term suggests, it 

 is really a species. Stem six to eight feet high, very rough, 

 and much branched ; leaves alternate, large, rough, heart- 

 shaped at the base, pointed at the ends, and indented on the 

 borders ; flowers large, yellow, produced on the top of the 

 plant, at the extremities of the branches. 



Soil, Propagation, and Culture. The Artichoke thrives 

 best in light, mellow soil, but will succeed wherever the com- 

 mon potato can be profitably grown. It is propagated by 

 planting the tubers, divided in sections, as is generally prac- 

 tised with the potato. These may be set in spring or' autumn, 

 and should be covered about three inches deep. Whether 

 planted in hills or rows, the plants will soon completely 

 occupy the ground. 



Extra fine tubers are sometimes raised by stirring the soil 

 to the depth of twelve or fifteen inches before planting, and 

 by a liberal application of manure ; afterwards thinning out 

 such plants as make a weakly growth, and weeding and culti- 

 vating thoroughly during the season. 



Taking the Crop. The new tubers will be suitable for 

 use in the autumn. In digging, great care should be taken 

 to remove the small as well as the full-grown ; for those not 

 taken from the ground will remain fresh and sound during 

 the winter, and send up in the spring new plants, which, in 



