616 MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLES. 



roots, the latter being the usual method. When grown 

 from seeds, the plants not only differ greatly in size and 

 quality, but are much longer in attaining a growth suitable 

 for cutting. 



" Whether grown from seed, or increased by a division of 

 the roots, a deep, rich soil, trenched to the depth of two or 

 even three feet, is required to insure the full development of 

 the leaf stalks ; for upon their size, rapidity of growth, and 

 consequent tenderness of fibre, much of their merit depends. 

 The seed should be sown in April, in drills a foot asunder, 

 thinning the plants, when a few inches high, to nine inches 

 apart. In the autumn or spring following, they will be fit for 

 transplanting in rows three feet asunder, and the plants set 

 three feet apart. If propagated by dividing the roots, it may 

 be done either in autumn or spring, the same distance being 

 given to the sets that is allowed for seedling plants. As, how- 

 ever, some of the varieties grow to a much larger size than 

 others, a corresponding distance should be accorded them, 

 extending to five feet between the rows, and three feet from 

 plant to plant. 



" The plants should be set out singly, and not in threes, as 

 is so often done. For the first year, the ground between the 

 rows may be cropped with lettuce, turnips, beans, or similar 

 low-growing crops ; but, after the second year, the leaves will 

 cover the whole space, and require it also for their full devel- 

 opment." Mclnt. 



After-culture. This consists in keeping the soil well en- 

 riched, open, and clear of weeds, and in breaking over the 

 flower-stalks, that they may not weaken the roots, and con- 

 sequently reduce the size and impair the quality of the leaf- 

 stalks. 



Gathering the Crop. " This is usually done in spring, 

 commencing as soon as the stalks have attained a serviceable 

 size. No leaves, however, should be plucked the first year, 



