ASPARAGUS 73 



under the division or sash bars, but are properly 

 placed beneath the glass itself. 



In the spot where each plant is to be placed, a 

 little heap of soil is made with the hands, so as to 

 fill the cavity on the under-side of the crown, and 

 permit the roots being spread out in all directions 

 from the centre. After this, it is only necessary to 

 cover the crowns with fine rich soil to a depth of 3 

 or 4 in., and then give the whole a good soaking with 

 water. 



The young plants soon commence to make new 

 growths, and only require to be kept free from weeds, 

 in addition to which the stems should be tied up to 

 sticks if necessary. 



Forcing White Asparagus. When the young plants 

 have finished their second or preferably their third 

 season of growth, they will be sufficiently strong to 

 stand being forced into early growth. This takes 

 place from November to February, although some 

 growers commence as early as the middle of October. 



The work is carried out as follows : Having placed 

 the frames on the beds which are to be forced, a 

 layer of fine rich soil and old manure is spread over 

 the plants. The pathways are then dug out to a 

 depth of 12 to 18 in. The soil thus obtained is 

 broken up into a fine condition with the spade or 

 the fork, and is spread evenly over the mould in 

 the frames to a depth of 10 or 12 in. This is done 

 to secure longer and finer stalks later on. 



The sunken pathways are now filled up with good 

 fresh manure that has been turned over two or three 

 times in advance. This manure should reach to the 

 top of the frames and lights, and after being trodden 



