206 THE FRUIT-GARDEN. [MARCH. 



being peeled, ate them sliced and stewed, with butter wine and 

 spices. ...thus, they were a dainty for a queen, being as pleasant as 

 the bottom of an artichoke :" hence probably that name originated, 

 as they bear not the least resemblance in growth to an artichoke. 



The roots being the eatable part, are large fleshy tubers, much 

 resembling a potatoe ; are in perfection in autumn and all the win- 

 ter, and are wholesome palatable food, when properly dressed. 



They are raised by sets, or cuttings, of the root, preparing the 

 sets and planting them as directed for potatoes, in rows three feet 

 asunder, four or five inches deep, and eighteen inches distant from 

 one another in the rows : they encrease abundantly, will thrive in 

 any tolerable soil, and cannot be easily got out of the ground again, 

 for the least bit will grow. It is a native of Brasil, and a striking 

 instance, of how tropical productions may gradually and successfully, 

 he introduced and naturalized in colder climates. 



SOUTHERN STATES. 



This is a very principal month in the southern states for garden- 

 ing : all manner of work hitherto directed, may now be performed 

 there, successfully. In South Carolina and Georgia they may now 

 sow the seeds of melons, cucumbers, squashes, tomatoes, egg- plants, 

 okra's, red-peppers, &c. as directed in the kitchen garden for April 

 and May. 



THE FRUIT GARDEN. 



Pruning Pears, Plumbs, Cherries, Apples, &c. 



AS early in this month as possible, finish pruning your cherries 

 and plums ; also your apple and pear-trees, before the end thereof, 

 whether as espaliers, standards, or wall-trees. Peaches, nectarines, 

 apricots, almonds, quinces, &c. should also be pruned early in 

 4;he month, if not done before. For the particular method of prun- 

 ing espalier and wall-trees, see the Fruit-Garden for January and 

 February, pages 17 and 128; and for that of the standards, the 

 Orchard, pages 39, 133, &c. This should be particularly attended 

 to, and the pruning of all kinds of Fruit-trees finished before their 

 buds begin to push. 



, t 



Pruning and training young Apricot, Nectarine and Peach Trees, 

 &c. for Espaliers and Walls. 



Now is the only proper time to head down young wall or espalier 

 trees, &c. preparatory to their first training : such as apricot, 



