CELERY. 45 



too thickly they become worthless when 

 they have gained a height of twelve 

 inches and are planted out, for the sun 

 striking them, their enfeebled constitu- 

 tions can not resist its heat, and they 

 wilt and die. I have always found that 

 the shorter and more " stocky' 7 my plants 

 are, the stronger they are in the root, and 

 thus the more likely to make vigorous 

 stalks and retain their health. 



Celery plants should never be topped 

 before transplanting. Leaves are the 

 lungs of the plant and can be no more 

 dispensed with than can the same 

 organs in the animal. When a plant 

 is poor and spindling, and its roots 

 have been destroyed, it has been a com- 

 mon practice to attempt to counter- 

 balance these losses by topping the plant. 



