24 



proved from the fact, tliat tlie same results will ensue if 

 the aslies are swept off clean. Or take another piece of 

 ground of equal quality, cover it with as much or more 

 ashes, and prepare it in every respect similar, except 

 burning, and plants cannot be raised in it. Hence the 

 necessity and propriety of regular and uniform burning, 

 the want of which is always manifested by a diminutive, 

 yellow, and sickly growth of plants in those spots not 

 sufficiently acted on by the fire. 



" After the ground becomes cool from burning, the 

 whole surface should be swept with a coarse twig broom 

 to take out the coals. In this operation some of the 

 ashes will be removed, but that is of no consequence ; it 

 should then be broken up about two inches deep, with 

 grubbing hoes, in which operation and in repeated chop- 

 pings afterwards, with hilling hoes, all roots will be cut, 

 and finally got out with a fine iron-tooth rake, which 

 leaves the ground in proper order to receive the seed. 



" The most approved time for sowing is about the 1st 

 of February, the beds previously prepared being suffered 

 to lie and mellow by the frost and snows to that time. 

 But it will do very well to burn and sow after that time, 

 as late as the first of March, taking care not to have 

 the heat so great. The quantity of seed is as much as 

 can be taken up in a common table spoon* for 100 S([uare 

 yards, and in that proportion. This quantity of seed 

 should be mixed with about one gallon of clean ashes, 

 and half that quantity of plaster of Paris, and the whole 

 well incorporated, and then strewed uniformly over the 

 bed at two operations, crossing at right angles to en- 

 sure regularity. Cabbage seed, for early planting. To- 

 mato, Celery, and Lettuce seed may be sowed in small 

 quantities with the Tobacco see^, without injury to the 

 growth of the plants. 



" After sowing the seed the ground is immediately 



* This quantity of plant bed is generally considered, xmder good cir- 

 cumstances, as sufficient to set ten thousand hills in good time. But tlie 

 prudent planter, taking into consideration the casualties of fly, drouglit, 

 &c., will do well to make a large allowance. We know of no certain 

 remedy or antidote against the fly which destroys the early plants. 



