MISCELLANEOUS CROPS 177 



consequently the grower should procure two-year-old 

 roots or the thong-like rootlets which appear as fingers 

 to full grown roots. The soil need not be chosen with 

 too great a care as seakale will thrive in almost any 

 ground as long as it is made rich with well-seasoned 

 manure. Its natural habitation, however, is on the 

 seashore and, accordingly, a sandy loam is what it most 

 prefers. 



In November obtain a supply of the thong-like root- 

 lets, cut the tops and tails so that the former resembles 

 the end of an unsharpened pencil and the latter a 

 sharpened end. Plant them upright in the open, in 

 drills, as close together as convenient, but an inch or 

 more below the level of the ground. In May, replant in 

 the permanent bed, a foot apart each way. As growth 

 proceeds examine each plant and where a number of 

 shoots are found springing from a crown, scratch off 

 all but the sturdiest one. Late in the year cover each 

 crown with an upturned flower pot and surround with a 

 heap of not too fresh manure. Another plan is to dig 

 up the crown and force as for rhubarb, but when this is 

 done the thongs should be removed to provide subse- 

 quent supplies. 



Horseradish. This tasty vegetable will grow any- 

 where and under almost any conditions, but, if left to 

 its own devices, will produce inferior roots and prove 

 a nuisance, in the bargain. Bad cultivation results 

 in stumpy, twisted roots which spread rapidly in 

 all directions causing harm to surrounding crops. 

 The smallest portion of the roots will spring up and 

 grow ; accordingly we must check its progress unless 



