. ix DISPOSAL OF GARDEN PRODUCE 135 



outside or under trees, where they can have protec- 

 tion from sharp frosts by covering with straw or 

 leaves where these are obtainable. 



Brussels Sprouts. To preserve these in good con- 

 dition through the winter all yellow decaying leaves 

 should be picked off at intervals, and on no account 

 should the small cabbage-like head at the summit of 

 the stalk be cut off until the supply of sprouts below 

 it is exhausted. So long as it remains it affords pro- 

 tection to the sprouts, and helps the smaller and 

 latest ones at the top to develop more fully. 



Spring Broccoli if partly dug up on the approach of 

 frosty weather and laid down so that the heads lie 

 almost flat upon the ground, with soil banked thickly 

 over the stems up to the hearts, are not nearly so 

 likely to be destroyed by frosts as they would be if 

 left standing upright. The plants are best slanted to 

 the north or west. 



Celery should be shielded from frost by covering 

 the ridges with straw, bracken, or any long litter. 

 Or at the commencement of what seems likely to be 

 severe frosty weather, it may be taken up and stored 

 in sand, as recommended for root crops. A grower 

 for sale adopted this plan with a large quantity 

 at the commencement of a long and severe winter, 

 and at the end of the frost he had command of the 

 market, all the stocks of other growers having been 

 destroyed. His consequently realised high prices, 

 selling freely at sixpence per stick. Another culti- 

 vator lost eighty acres, valued at upwards of 2,000, 

 the same year through want of protection. 



Flowers. 



Turning to the preservation of flowers, these can- 

 not bo kept in good condition for such long periods 

 as vegetables. Still much may be done to prolong 



