ASPARAGUS. 145 



three or four inches beneath the surface. There are various 

 methods of placing the roots in the trench. Some spread 

 them out like a fan against the side ; some form little hil- 

 locks of fine soil, over which the roots are spread, extending 

 like the sticks of an umbrella ; others make a ridge along the 

 centre of the trench, and spread the roots on either side ; 

 while others remove the soil from the bed, rake the surface 

 smooth, and spread out the roots at right angles on the level, 

 afterwards replacing the soil, covering to the depth of about 

 three inches. 



During the summer nothing will be necessary but to keep 

 the plants clear of weeds ; and, in doing this, the hoe should 

 be dispensed with as much as possible, to avoid injuring the 

 roots. In the autumn, when the tops have completely with- 

 ered, they should be cut down nearly level with the surface 

 of the ground, and burned. The beds should then be lightly 

 dug over, and two or three inches of rich loam, intermixed 

 with well-digested compost, and salt at the rate of two quarts 

 to the square rod, should be applied ; which will leave the 

 crowns of the roots about five inches below the surface. 



Second Year. Early in spring, as soon as the frost leaves 

 the ground, dig over the beds, taking care not to disturb the 

 roots ; rake the surface smooth ; and, during the summer, 

 cultivate as before directed : but none of the shoots should 

 be cut for use. In the autumn, after the stalks have entirely 

 withered, cut down and burn as in the previous year ; stir 

 the surface of the bed, and add an inch of soil and manure, 

 which will bring the crowns six or seven inches below ground, 

 a depth preferred, by a majority of cultivators, for estab- 

 lished plantations. 



Third Year. Early in spring stir the ground as directed 



for the two previous years. Some cultivators make a slight 



cutting during this season ; but the future strength of the 



plants will be increased by allowing the crop to grow natu- 



13 



