ASPARAGUS 77 



should be well mixed together, and watered if inclined 

 to be dry. 



The frames are placed on the beds when ready, 

 and the pathways between are filled half-way up with 

 manure. On the surface of each bed 2 to 3 in. 

 of mould is spread, so that the roots of the Asparagus 

 shall not come in direct contact with the manure, 

 and so that their growth shall be hastened without 

 running the risk of being burned. 



When the heat of the bed has sunk to 70 or 80 

 Fahr., the Asparagus crowns are placed side by side 

 without having the roots shortened or mutilated in 

 any way. The larger and taller clumps are placed 

 near the top of the frame, and the smallest towards 

 the bottom, and from 500 to 600 crowns can be packed 

 in under each light, according to their size. When 

 arranging the clumps it is important that the tops 

 should be at the same distance from the glass, sloping 

 gradually from top to bottom with the fall of the 

 lights. Some fine rich and gritty mould is then care- 

 fully worked in between the crowns, and washed down 

 amongst the roots with plenty of water ; after which 

 some of the same mould should be spread over the 

 tops of the crowns to a depth of a few inches. 



Lining. The work in the frames being finished, the 

 pathways are then filled with manure up to the top 

 of the frames if there is an inclination for the heat 

 within to diminish. Manure is added or taken away 

 from the pathways according as to whether the tem- 

 perature is too low or too high. Towards night one, 

 two, or three mats, according to the weather, should 

 be placed over the lights for protection and to keep 

 the heat constant by night as well as by day. 



