122 



THE GENESEE FARMER. 



upon boiling with water, of yielding a weak so- 

 lution of gelatine. It was concluded, therefore, 

 that the spot had been an ancient battle-field, and 

 that its prolonged fertility was due to the bones 

 of the old soldiers and their war-horses buried in 

 it, and still, to some extent, undecomposed. 



WORK IN THE KITCHEN GAKDEN. 



KTBISCnS KOSA SINENSIS. 



This plant is very commonly cultivated in the 

 gardens of China and the East Indies, and is there 

 a fine evergreen shrub, attaining a height of ten 

 feet. "With us, however, it can only be grown in 

 the green- house, or, more properly, a hot-house, 

 and seldom becomes more than two or three feet in 

 height. 



The leaves are from three to four inches in length 

 and two-thirds as broad, supported by a long foot 

 stalk; they have a dark green, shining, wax-like 

 surface, which renders the plant very attractive, 

 even when not in bloom. 



The flowers are about two inches in diameter, of 

 the shape of a single hollyhock, and of a dark, rich, 

 velvety crimson color. The plant in full flower is 

 perfectly gorgeous in appearance, and will always 

 receive especial attention wherever it becomes 



known. 



■ ■ ♦ ■ 



It is a matter of importance that the ground on 

 A'hich fruit trees are to be planted should be sub- 

 soiled and weU manured before planting. After- 

 ward it will not need to be so deeply cultivated. 



April is a busy time with those who have gar- i 

 dens. Much has to be done as soon as the frost is 

 out, in preparing the ground for planting. It is 

 however not desirable to sow seeds for a main crop, 

 but only such as can be advantageously grown as 

 an early summer crop. 



Peas. — A few rows of early peas may 

 be sown, such as the Dicarf Kent and 

 . Frince Albert. Plant in rows three feet 

 apart and soak the seeds for a few hours, 

 and roll them in plaster before sowing. 

 Onion seed may be sown in rows one 

 foot apart. One ounce of seed will sow 

 a bed 24 feet long by 4 Avide. 



Parsnips are a desirable crop to get 

 into the ground early. The ground for 

 them should be dry, deep and well pul- 

 verized. Sow in rows 18 inches apart. 

 In May thin out to 8 inches apart in the 

 rows. With good after cultivation no 

 crop will yield a better return for the 

 labor bestowed. The best variety is the 

 Hollow crowned. 



Beets. — These are worthy a place in 



every garden. The Blood Beet^ either 



long or turnip rooted, is the only kind we 



should grow. Some like the white sugar 



beet. Soak the seed a day or two before 



planting, and sow in rows 18 inches apart. 



Caeeots. — Some sow the Earhj Short Horn this 



month. It is the best variety for garden culture, 



and succeeds well on any moderately rich soil. 



Parsley. — This forms a neat edging for the ends 

 of the different beds next the larger walks of the 

 garden. It is useful in flavoring stews, soups and 

 gravies. Some like it for salads. 



TuENiPS. — A bed of the Early white glole or 

 Early Dutch will be found useful for summer use. 

 Sow broadcast and afterwards thin out as desired. 

 Cabbage. — Sow some seed of early kinds, as the 

 Early TorTc, Sugarloaf and Wivningstadt^ as well, 

 as some of the early varieties of Cauliflowers. 

 Sow broadcast in a richly manured spot in the 

 open border, wher« the sun can have free access to 

 the plants. 



EADisnES. — The best kin^s are the Long Salmon 

 and the Red and white Turnip. Sow broadcast in 

 «, warm border and give enough seed. Rake it 

 over lightly, and in three or four days the plants 

 will appear. Pull the largest as they grow to a 

 size fit for the table. Sow a fresh bed every two 

 or three weeks to keep up a succession. 

 Letttjoe. — The earliest sown are the best — in 



