FEB.] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 129 



growth there, they then are of the proper size and strength for 

 forcing. But observe that in those parts of the Union where the 

 ground is subject at this season to be bound up by frost, previous 

 precaution will be necessary, in order to secure a supply of plants 

 when wanted for this purpose ; therefore, before the setting in of the 

 severe winter frost, cover a sufficient number in the beds wherein 

 they are growing, with as much dry litter or leaves of trees, &c., as 

 will effectually keep the ground from being frozen, so that you can 

 remove it, and take up the plants conveniently when wanted. 



Or you may, on the approach of severe frosts, take up a sufficient 

 quantity with as little injury to the roots as possible, which may be 

 planted in sand or dry earth in a warm cellar, in the same manner 

 as directed for planting them in the frame, covering their crowns 

 about an inch, observing not to crowd the plants for fear of their 

 becoming mouldy ; and in mild weather ventilate the cellar as often 

 as possible, to prevent any bad effect to the roots from stagnant air ; 

 but when it can be done, it will be much better to take up the plants 

 out of their beds according as you want them. 



The necessary quantity for a three-light frame is from three to four 

 hundred plants, and so in proportion for any number of frames j the 

 plants in such beds ought to be set very close, in order that by 

 having as many as possible in each frame, they may produce a pro- 

 portionable supply to recompense sufficiently for the trouble and ex- 

 pense of forcing them. 



A bed for this purpose is to be made in like manner as those 

 directed for cucumbers in pages 21 and 22, but very substantial ; 

 then put on the frame, and earth it all over six or seven inches deep, 

 for the immediate reception of the plants. 



The bed being made and earthed as above, and a sufficient quantity 

 of plants in readiness, proceed to planting by raising at one end a 

 small ridge of earth about three or four inches high, against which 

 place a row of plants close to one another, drawing some earth to the 

 bottom of the roots, then place others against these in the same 

 manner, and so continue until the frame is full, all having their 

 tops or crowns upright and of an equal level. When the whole bed 

 is thus planted, cover the crowns of the roots all over with light, 

 rich earth, about two inches deep, which concludes the work for the 

 present. 



You may now put on the lights, which are to be kept open, raised 

 high behind, or slided down every day, except in very severe weather, 

 but at night let them be closed; give all the air possible so that you 

 do not suffer the earth in the bed to be frozen or chilled, by rain or 

 snow, till the buds begin to appear, when you are to give them 

 another covering of three or four inches of the same kind of mould 

 as before, so that the crowns may be covered in the whole about six 

 inches deep. 



But it must be remarked that for the first week or fortnight after 

 the bed is made and the asparagus planted, that the state of its 

 warmth should be every day carefully examined ; for that purpose 

 thrust two or three sharp pointed sticks down betwixt the roots into 

 the dung in different parts of the bed ; when upon drawing up the 

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