14 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. [J A w. 



the seed thinly on the surface, and cover it with the same kind of 

 earth a quarter of an inch deep. 



When the plants come up, let them enjoy the free air in mild 

 weather, and cover them in cold nights, and also in every severe 

 frost, whilst young ; and when an inch or two high, thin them to 

 about three inches asunder ; and you will thus have young spring 

 carrots for drawing in April and May. 



Solving- Radishes. 



In order to have radishes as early as possible, recourse must be 

 had to the assistance of hot-beds ; therefore, any time in this month, 

 make a moderate hot-bed for one or more garden frames, only about 

 two feet and a half depth of dung, sufficient just to promote the 

 early germination of the seed, and forward the plants moderately 

 without running them up long shanked, Sec. When the bed is made, 

 set on the frame, lay in about six inches depth of good light garden 

 earth, then having some seed of the best early-frame, or short-topped 

 radish, sow it evenly on the surface, press it into the earth with the 

 back of a spade, cover it nearly half an inch deep with light mould, 

 and put on the glasses. 



When the plants appear, give them a large share of air, either 

 by taking the glasses, &c. entirely off, whenever it can be done with 

 safety, even for half an hour at a time, or tilting them up high at 

 one end, as the weather will permit, otherwise they will draw, or 

 run up long shanked, and be spoiled ; and after the plants have been 

 up a few clays, thin them regularly with your hand, where they 

 stand too thick, and leave the strongest plants standing not less than 

 an inch asunder. Support a gentle heat in the bed, when it de- 

 clines, by applying a moderate lining of hot dung. 



Mushrooms. 



Mushroom-beds should be carefully attended to at this season. 

 They should have sufficient covering to defend them effectually from 

 the frost, rain, or snow ; which should not be less than two feet 

 thick ; and if heavy rain or snow should have penetrated quite 

 through the covering, this must be removed immediately, or your 

 spawn will be in danger of perishing. Replace it with good cover- 

 ing of clean and dry wheat or other straw ; and in order to defend 

 the bed more effectually from wet and cold, it is advisable to spread 

 some large garden mats, or canvas cloths, over the straw, which will 

 greatly preserve the beds. 



Artichokes. 



Artichokes, if not landed up before, should not be neglected any 

 longer, except the severity" of the frost prevents it : in which case, 

 as tnase plants are liable to suffer greatly by rigorous frosts, it is ad- 

 visable to give some tempory protection, first clearing away the de- 

 cayed and urge old leaves, then apply a good thick covering of 



