310 On raising Salads of Chicory. 



can be carried on to any extent, at a very moderate expense. 

 It will be invaluable to a market-gardener, as well as to the 

 gentleman's gardener ; and, instead of myself potting 1000 

 plants, half that number will do, or even less. Besides, neither 

 the red spider nor the green fly can attack them, as the watering 

 well with water over head destroys the green fly; and the evapo- 

 ration from the heat of the dung keeps the under part of the 

 leaves continually damp during the night, and, of course, the red 

 spider cannot exist on them. The next great advantage in 

 having strawberries early in pits is, that the houses may be 

 cleared of them before the hot weather sets in ; and, consequently, 

 the gardener's man is able to keep his houses clear of various 

 sorts of insects, to the great benefit of his standing crops. My 

 plan is simply this : — The runners of Kean's seedling, as soon as 

 they are well rooted, are taken off, and planted in a bed of pre- 

 pared mould, and attended with water during the autumn ; then, 

 towards the month of February, the plants are taken up, with 

 good balls, and planted into a frame or pit. Sin. or 10 in. apart 

 each way ; after which they are gradually brought on ; and, after 

 the fruit is set, it is strange to say they will thrive well in a bot- 

 tom heat, fit for the cucumber; and, by keeping them moist, it is 

 astonishing how fast the fruit will swell. Our pits hold 1 50 plants, 

 and each plant brings to perfection double the quantity that can be 

 grown in pots. It must be observed that plants, two years old, 

 produce more in quantity, but not such fine fruit, as newly- 

 rooted runners. It is impossible for me to say how early they 

 can be got in this way until farther trial. 

 Dyrham Park Gardens, May 29. 1837. 



Art. XII. On raising Salads of Chicory. By James Cuthill. 



It is with much pleasure that I have to notice the success 

 that has attended my cultivation of that most valuable salad 

 plant, the chicory, which was brought into notice last year by 

 Dr. Lippold. I am well aware that chicory has been known in 

 this country for many years, and also ihat it has not been culti- 

 vated to any extent; but I may safely say that a more valuable 

 salad plant, foi- winter use, never was introduced. Our autumns 

 are so very changeable, that the gardener finds great difficulty 

 in keeping endive in a good state of preservation for winter use, 

 while chicory can be taken up, and put into a pit for forcing, at 

 pleasure. The pit which suits it best is one flued all round, on 

 account of damps ; and it must be planted in very dry mould. 

 The mould, indeed, cannot be too dry, as the roots are sure to 

 imbibe moisture enough for their support. I planted them 6 in. 

 opart, and found it quite enough. The heat required is very 



