56 THE CULTURE OF VEGETABLES 



late crop, the natural heat of the soil will be sufficient should the 

 summer prove to be fine, but in a cold season Ridge Cucumbers are 

 disappointing. Of the many methods of growing them, one of the 

 best is to lay out the ground in four-feet beds by taking out the 

 soil to a depth of fifteen inches, and spreading about that depth or 

 more of half-rotted manure, to which may be added any leaves, 

 mouldy hay, and other litter, that may be handy. Cover with a 

 foot depth of good loam, and plant two days afterwards, protecting 

 the plants with hand-lights. The first week in May is as early as will 

 be safe in most places for the planting, and some care will be needed 

 to keep the plants moving fairly until the season is so far advanced 

 as to allow of the removal of the lights. Put them at thirty inches 

 apart down the middle of the bed, and when growing freely, nip out 

 the points once only. A crop of Lettuce may be taken from the beds 

 while the plants are advancing. 



DANDELION 



(Taraxacum officinale) 



DANDELION has become popular as a salad, its wholesome quality 

 insuring for it general esteem. Nature teaches us the way to grow 

 this plant, for she sows the seed early in the summer, and we find 

 the finest plants on the dry ground, and there are absolutely none 

 to be found in the bogs and swamps. Any gravelly or chalky soil 

 will grow good Dandelion, one fair digging without manure being 

 a sufficient preparation for it. Sow in May or June, and thin to 

 one foot apart every way ; keeping the crop scrupulously clean by 

 flat hoeing. Any time in the winter the roots may be lifted and 

 forced in the same way as Sea Kale, or they may be covered with 

 pots in spring to blanch where grown. In any case the spring growth 

 must be made in the dark, for when green the flavour is bitter. 

 Invalids who require this salutary salad may obtain early supplies by 

 planting the roots in boxes in a cellar, and covering with empty boxes 

 turned over them. Only as much water should be given as will keep 

 the roots reasonably moist. 



