TOWN ALLOTMENTS 43 



said of radishes. Where a few frames can be had, good 

 tomato plants may be reared. Potatoes are a doubtful 

 crop. We have seen fair yields with early and second 

 early varieties, but main-crops are less satisfactory. 



The town allotment-holder must guard against spar- 

 rows and mice. The former will ruin his beetroots and 

 lettuces unless he scares them away by means of dangling 

 scarecrows or keeps them off his produce by threading 

 a number of cotton strands along the rows. The mice 

 will dig up the peas and beans as soon as they are set, 

 but not if rolled in red lead, which is a dangerous poison 

 needing careful storage. Phosphorus paste spread on 

 little pieces of meat or cheese will kill the vermin but 

 will also injure cats or dogs, and even children, and, 

 therefore, cannot be recommended. Traps should be 

 used instead. 



