GARDENING AND TRUCK FARMING. '299 



arranged so that its weight will rest on the frame, or, if pre- 

 ferred, a larger quantity of straw or leaves can be used, and a 

 roof of boards put over it; managed in this way cabbages that are 

 worthless in the fall will grow a salable head during the winter. 



Carrots. In the chapter on " Root Crops," I have given 

 directions for growing carrots as a field crop. There should be 

 a small bed of the early scarlet Horn planted in the garden, as 

 they are useful for flavoring soups. As they are great yielders, 

 and bear close planting, two or three square yards will suffice for 

 the family. If there is a demand for them in market, it will 

 pay to grow all that can be sold, as they are very profitable. 

 Among the Germans they are in great demand. 



Celery. This plant is seldom found in the farmer's garden. 

 The reason for this is probably that a great amount of labor is 

 supposed to be necessary in growing it. A family supply of 

 celery can be grown with but little more labor than is required 

 to grow an equal amount of parsnips, if properly managed. 

 Peter Henderson says of it : "I know of no vegetable on 

 the cultivation of which so much useless labor is expended, 

 with such unsatisfactory results." The best varieties are the 

 dwarf, as they can be planted closer and will require less labor. 

 I would recommend " Crawford's Half Dwarf," " Incomparable 

 Dwarf," and " Boston Market." 



Seed should be sown in the open ground early in April. 

 The land should be rich and well pulverized, and the seed sown 

 in drills wide enough apart to admit of the use of the hoe. 

 Cultivation should be constant and thorough. Cutting the tops 

 back once or twice with the shears induces a stocky growth, 

 and enables them to endure transplanting better. Any time in 

 July the plants may be transplanted to the garden, and may be 

 set out where early peas or potatoes have been grown. Make 

 the soil rich and mellow, as it will require but little land to grow 

 a family supply, and the more rapid the growth, the better the 

 quality. Plant one foot apart each way and give thorough cul- 

 tivation, and plenty of water if the weather is dry. This close 

 planting will induce an upright growth, and no banking or earth- 

 ing up will be necessary ; but a longer growth can be had by set- 



