NOVEMBER 183 



there should be the utmost care taken not to make things worse by 

 scatterings of vegetable rubbish. Now we are in the ' dull days 

 before Christmas ' the affairs of the garden may be reviewed in 

 detail, and this is the best period for such a review. Sorts that have 

 done well or ill, wants that have been felt, mistakes that have been 

 made, are now fresh in one's memory, and in ordering seeds, roots, 

 plants &c. for next season's work, we can much better now than at 

 any other time bring experience and observation to bear upon our 

 procedure, with a view to future benefit. Consistently with the 

 revision of plans by the fireside, revise the work out of doors. Begin 

 even now to prepare for next year's crops by trenching, manuring, 

 planting, and collecting stuff to burn in a ( smother.' Land got 

 ready now for spring seeds and roots, and kept quite rough, will only 

 require to be levelled down and raked over when spring comes to be 

 ready for seed at a day or two's notice, and will produce better crops 

 than if got ready in a hurry. Be prepared with protecting material 

 for all the needs of the season, remembering that a few nights of hard 

 frost may destroy Lettuces, Endives, Celery, and Cauliflowers worth 

 many pounds, which a few shillings'-worth of labour and litter would 

 have saved completely. Earthwork can generally be pushed on, and 

 it is good practice to get all road-mending and the breaking up of 

 new ground completed before the year runs out, because of the 

 hindrance that may result from frost, and the inevitable pressure of 

 other work at the turn of the spring. The weather is an important 

 matter ; but often the month of November is favourable to outdoor 

 work, and the labour can then be found more readily than at most 

 other seasons. 



ARTICHOKES, GLOBE, must be protected ere frost attacks them. In 

 the first place cut off the stems and large leaves to within a foot of 

 the ground, and then heap up along each side of the rows a lot of dry 

 litter consisting of straw, pea haulm, or leaves ; taking care in so doing 

 to leave free access to light and air ; the hearts must not be covered, 

 or decay will follow. 



ARTICHOKES, JERUSALEM, may be dug as wanted, but some should 

 be lifted and stored in sand for use during frosts. 



ASPARAGUS beds not yet cleaned must have prompt attention. 

 Cut down the brown grass and rake off all the weeds and rubbish, 

 and finish by putting on a dressing of stable manure, about half- 

 rotten, or sea-weed. It matters not how rank the manure used for a 

 mulch. 



PEANS, It is customary on dry warm soils to sow Beans now for 



