124 FORCING VEGETABLES. 



The following simple method of forcing vegetables on a 

 small scale, is recommended by a correspondent of a Lon- 

 don Magazine : 



" Mushrooms in Winter I obtain by a very simple though 

 not a new process. Provide boxes three feet long, and one 

 foot eight inches deep ; a quantity of horse droppings, per- 

 fectly dry ; some spawn and some light dry soil. Fill the 

 boxes by layers of droppings, spawn, and soil, which must 

 be trodden perfectly tight ; repeat these triple layers till the 

 boxes are full, and all trodden firmly together. 



" Four such boxes at work, are sufficient for a moderate 

 demand; and of a dozen, four brought on at a time, and 

 placed upon the flue of a greenhouse stove, will produce a 

 fine supply. The surface of these portable beds may be 

 covered with a little hay, and occasionally, though sparingly, 

 watered. It is not absolutely necessary that they be set on 

 the flue of a greenhouse; a warm stable, cellar, or any 

 other similar place, will suit equally well. This plan i& 

 also convenient for affording a plentiful stock of superior 

 spawn. 



" The same sized boxes will also do for Asparagus ; but 

 for this purpose a sufficient stock of three-year old plants 

 must be at hand ; also eighteen boxes, fow of which are 

 the necessary set to be forced at one time for a middling 

 family. Half fill the boxes with decayed tanner's bark, leaf 

 mould, or any similar mould ; on this, pack the roots as 

 thickly as possible, and fill up the boxes with the bark, &c. 

 Any place in a forcing house will suit them ; on the flue, 

 under the stage, or in short, any place where they can 

 enjoy the necessary degree of heat. Besides Asparagus 

 and Mushrooms, Sea Kale, Buda Kale, Angelica, small 

 salad, as also other pot herbs, may be raised in the same 

 manner." 



Those who have not the conveniences recommended in 

 a greenhouse, &c. may place the boxes in a hot-bed. The 

 glasses being laid on, and the beds covered at night, will 

 soon promote the growth of the plants, and produce vegeta- 

 table luxuries at a season when garden products in genera! 

 are comparatively scarce. 



