88 HORTICULTURE LECT. vi 



low wet localities raised beds are essential two rows 

 of plants in three feet beds, or three rows in beds 

 five feet in width. 



Seakale. This is another much neglected spring 

 vegetable, only found in market gardens, and large 

 private gardens. It is probably because it is used 

 only when blanched that its culture is thought to be 

 difficult. On the contrary it is most simple, and 

 strong plants of it are easily raised in a single season. 

 Like asparagus it requires rich, well-drained, free 

 soil, for though indigenous to the seaside, it is im- 

 patient of stagnant water. 



Preparing and storing the sets, or root cuttings, is 

 the first process, and an important one. These should 

 be taken in autumn when roots are being lifted for 

 forcing in frames, pots, mushroom houses, or even in 

 boxes in a cellar. Clean straight cuttings, or as they 

 are termed, "whips," should be selected from the 

 trimmings of the large roots. They may be nearly 

 as thick as the little finger, and about five inches in 

 length, cut flat at the top, and slanting at the base, 

 the better to distinguish the top of the set. These 

 are usually tied up in bundles of fifty, and buried 

 in sand or ashes, keeping the crown ends uppermost, 

 and having these just exposed to air and light. They 

 may be stored in cold frames, and even in sheltered 

 positions outdoors, protected with leaves or litter in 

 severe weather. 



Before planting, which should be done about 

 the middle of April, the ground must be deeply 

 dug, and well enriched with manure. Also if the 

 soil is of a light character it should be trodden or 

 rolled evenly and regularly immediately it is dug, 

 before commencing to plant. 



The ground being thus prepared the sets should 

 be taken out of their resting-place and planted 



