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Commercial Gardening 



the ground should be kept free from weeds. From the end of October 

 onwards the roots are lifted as required for forcing. The old leaves are 

 removed and trimmed off within 1J in. of the top of the roots. Any side 

 roots are also suppressed. The main roots being shortened to 8 or 10 in. 

 are placed in trenches or boxes which are filled with 

 rich gritty soil, so that the tops of the roots are 8 or 

 10 in. below the surface. They are then placed in the 

 forcing chamber, or may be covered with a layer of hot 

 manure, about 1 ft. thick, to encourage rapid growth. 

 In three or four weeks yellowish heads of excellent 

 flavour are ready for cutting, but care must be taken 

 to secure them before the tips of the leaves touch the 

 manure over them. 



Chives (Allium Schcenaprasum). This bulbous- 

 rooted European perennial is grown for its slender 

 fistular grass-like leaves, which are used in salads and 

 soups, having a milder flavour than onions. It has 

 clusters of pretty violet-red flowers, and flourishes in 

 any good soil. Easily increased by division in March 

 or April every second or third year. 



Clary (Salvia Sclarea). A woolly -haired biennial 

 or perennial of the Labiate family, having broadly ovate 

 grey -green wrinkled leaves, and tall spikes of white or 

 lilac flowers. The leaves are used for seasoning soups, 

 &c. The seed is sown in April in drills about 18 in. 

 apart, and the seedlings are thinned out about 1 ft. apart in the rows, or 

 may be transplanted. A new plantation is made annually if necessary. 



Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). A hardy South European annual 

 2 ft. or more high, with divided leaves and umbels of small white flowers. 

 The young leaves are said to be used for seasoning soups and salads, 

 notwithstanding their strong flavour. The seeds are largely used in con- 

 fectionery and the manufacture of liqueurs, &c. Plants are easily raised 

 from seeds sown in rich soil in warm spots. 



Corn Salad or Lamb's Lettuce. This native hardy annual (Valerian- 

 zlla olitoria) makes a useful catch crop sown between rows of fruit trees, 

 or in specially prepared beds. The kinds mostly favoured are the " Large- 

 leaved", the "Improved dark-green or Cabbaging", and the "Italian". 

 The seeds are sown broadcast or in drills about 6 to 9 in. apart, and are 

 afterwards thinned out from 3 to 6 in. apart. Sowings may be made in 

 March and April and again in August and September. The plants are 

 pulled and marketed whole as soon as large enough, being washed and 

 packed in peck or half-bushel baskets. Corn Salad is largely grown in 

 French market gardens. (See p. 203.) 



Cress. This quick -growing Persian annual (Lepidium sativum) is 

 highly valued for the pungent flavour of its young and tender leaves 

 and stalks. Seeds are sown several times during the season under glass 



Fig. 504. Witloof 

 Chicory 



