26 ' ARTICHOKE. 



At the same time, examine the number of shoots ari- 

 sing on each stool, selecting three of the strongest and 

 healthiest-looking on every stool to remain ; all above that 

 number afre to be slipped off close to the roots with the hand, 

 unless you want such to make new plantations with, in 

 which case any extra number for that purpose are to remain 

 on the parent plants, until they are about eight or ten 

 inches high from their roots, or junction with the old plants* 

 when they are to be slipped off, and planted in a bed pre- 

 pared in the same manner as directed for the young plants, 

 taking care at the same time to close the earth about the 

 crowns of the roots, and drawing it a little up to the remain- 

 ing suckers. 



Observe, the spring dressing is to be given when the plants 

 are in the above described state, whetber that happens in 

 February, March or April, occasioned by the difference of 

 climate, in the respective States, or by the earliness or late- 

 ness of the spring. 



The gardeners, near London, generally take off the side 

 suckers, or small Artichokes, when they are about the size 

 of a hen's egg. These meet with a ready sale in the mar- 

 kets, and the principal heads that are left are always larger 

 and more handsome. The maturity of a full-grown Anti- 

 choke is apparent by the opening of the scales ; and it 

 should always be cut off before the flower appears in the 

 centre ; the stem should be cut close to the ground at the 

 same time. 



Artichokes are esteemed as a luxury by epicures. To 

 have them in perfection, they should be thrown into cold 

 water as soon as gathered, and after having been soajaed 

 and well washed, put into the boiler when the water is hot, 

 with a little salt, arid kept boiling until tender, which gene- 

 rally takes, for full grown Artichokes, from an hour and a 

 half to two hours. When taken up, drain and trim them ; 

 then serve them up with melted butter, pepper, salt, and 

 such other condiment as may best suit the palate. 



