542 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. [OCT. 



set out a sufficient number, that work may be done in the first week 

 of this month, but it ought not to be deferred longer; these late 

 plants will keep better, if the season should prove favorable that 

 they may attain a tolerable size, than those of a more forward 

 growth. 



Or, to preserve late endive for winter use, as well from the effects 

 of too much wet as frost, you may in the first week of this month 

 prepare a sloping bank of light earth in a warm situation, the sloping 

 side fronting the south, and the bed raised two feet higher behind 

 than in front ; on this plant, tolerably close, some stout, middle sized 

 plants, and on the approach of severe weather place a frame and 

 glasses over the bed, and in hard frost fill the inside immediately 

 over the plants with dry straw; thus they will be protected from wet 

 and frost, and will whiten effectually under the covering of straw, 

 which should be turned occasionally to prevent that part next the 

 plants and earth from becoming mouldy. 



For further particulars repecting the preservation of endive, see 

 next month. 



RAISING YOUNG MINT AND TARRAGON FOR USE IN WINTER. 



Where young mint and tarragon are in request at all seasons, you 

 may, towards the end of this month, make a slight hot-bed, and set 

 the plants therein, as directed on page 27; this done, put on the glasses, 

 and observe to raise them behind every day to admit air, and prevent 

 the young rising shoots from being scorched by the effects of a too 

 powerful sun beaming on the lights whilst close shut. The young 

 productions will be fit for use in about three weeks or a month, and 

 afford a supply for a considerable time. 



WINTER DRESSING OF ARPARAGUS BEDS. 



Towards the end of this month if the stalks of your asparagus turn 

 yellow, which is a sign of their having finished their growth for the 

 season, cut them down close to the earth and carry them off the 

 ground; clear the beds carefully from weeds, eradicating them 

 effectually and drawing them into the alleys. 



Asparagus beds in general will be greatly benefited by an annual 

 dressing of good manure, and nothing is better or more suitable for 

 them than the dung of old hot-beds; but if that is not to be had, 

 well rotted stable manure will answer; let it be laid equally over the 

 beds, one, two, or three inches deep, according to necessity, after 

 which stretch a line/ and with a spade mark out the alleys from 

 about eighteen inches to two feet wide, agreeably to their original 

 dimensions.* 



Then dig the alleys one spade deep, and spread a considerable part of 

 the earth evenly over the beds; and as you advance let the weeds which 



* Asparagus, being a marine plant, is greatly benefited by an annual 

 dressing of salt, and there is no kitchen vegetable that is more improved 

 than this by the addition of guano, applied previous to commencing growth. 



