92 ON FORCING ASPARAGUS. 



reception of the plants ; the soil should be com- 

 posed of three-fourths of good light turfy loam, 

 and one- fourth of well-rotted dung from old beds 

 which is sweet ; to these add one-eighth part of 

 sand, and let them be frequently turned and 

 well mixed. The bed must be three feet wide 

 and two feet four inches deep. When finished, 

 tread it lightly, and, in April, plant two rows in 

 each bed of two- years old plants, a foot from 

 the edges, and eighteen inches from plant to 

 plant. Set them in drills as before advised, and 

 level the ground, following the instructions 

 already given as to future treatment. After 

 planting, fill the trenches from end to end, to 

 the level of the earth, with leaves, or sweetened 

 litter, and water the beds slightly every now 

 and then during the summer months. 



In the November following the setting, cut 

 off the haulm, and add four inches of good soil to 

 the surface, and more leaves to the linings in 

 the cavities, to keep them up to the proper 

 height ; the whole to be always kept clean 



