NOV.] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 577 



succulent plants of any kind immediately on the eve of a severe 

 frost, as the sudden exposure of the shaded and tender parts to it 

 would prove very destructive. 



WINTER DRESSING OF ASPARAGUS BEDS. 



Where omitted last month, dress your asparagus beds as directed 

 on page 542. Indeed there is no better season than the first or 

 second week of this month for that business. 



LETTUCES. 



The lettuces which were planted in frames last month, should be 

 still suffered to enjoy the free air every day while the weather con- 

 tinues mild and dry, by taking the glasses entirely off early in the 

 morning ; but let them be put on again in the evening, or whenever 

 the weather becomes cold or wet; for if these plants are kept too 

 close, they will draw up and become weakly, tender, and of little 

 value. 



When the weather is very wet or cold, keep the glasses on, and 

 should the frost set in rather too severe towards the end of the 

 month, you must give the necessary covering, so as to prevent the 

 plants from getting frozen ; but be careful to admit air to them at 

 every favorable opportunity. 



In the first week of this month, you should plant into the frames, 

 if omitted in October, such -lettuces as are designed to be wintered 

 therein ; this should on no account be delayed to a later period. 



On the approach of severe frost protect your lettuces on warm 

 borders, &c., as directed on page 544. 



N. B. Lettuces make a most delicious boiled salad, which, in the 

 estimation of most people who have tried it, is much superior to 

 spin age. This observation escaped my recollection while writing the 

 work of the summer months, where it might have been more appro- 

 priately inserted ; as then, thousands of heads start to seed and are 

 totally lost, which might be profitably used in this way. They are 

 generally in an excellent condition for this purpose, at any time from 

 the period of their having attained a sufficient size, till the hearts or 

 centre stems have shot towards seeding six or eight inches high, so 

 that when they are past use for a raw salad, they are yet good for a 

 boiled one. 



SMALL SALADING. 



Small salading of every kind will now require to be sown on a 

 slight hot-bed, under the protection of frames and glasses ; otherwise 

 disappointment will ensue, especially if the cold sets in early. In 

 mild weather admit plenty of air, to give strength to the plants. 



