GARDEN OK VEGETABLE SEEDS. 37 



GARDEN OR VEGETABLE SEEDS. 



ARTICHOKE GLOBE. (Cynaro, Scolymus. ) 



This is the true Artichoke, and often called the Bui- 

 Artichoke to distinguish it from the Jerusalem Arti- 

 choke. There are two varieties, viz. : Large Green Globe 

 and Large Paris. The Large Globe is best for general 

 culture. Sow the seed in April in rich soil, transplant 

 the following spring to permanent beds in hills two by 

 three feet. The plant is perennial and will last for years 

 if protected in the winter by a covering of leaves or 

 coarse manure. The part used is the pulpy receptacle 

 in the flower heads, termed the " bottom," freed from 

 the bristles, or seed down, and the lower portions of the 

 scales which surround the head. Boil and dress with 

 butter, salt and pepper, and it is very nice. 



ASPARAGUS. (Asparagus officinalis. ) 



Plant the seed in early spring, soaking it in water 

 twenty-four hours before planting. Drill thinly in rows 

 twelve inches apart, in rich, mellow soil, well drained ; 

 cover abOjUt one inch deep ; thin out three or four inches 

 apart, and cultivate well. When plants are one or two 

 years old, transplant to permanent grounds in rows three 

 feet apart, and two feet apart in the row, and six inches 

 beneath the surface ; strong, loamy land is the best. Be 

 sure to make the land very rich with well-rotted lot man- 

 ure, and manure the surface of the bed freely every fall. 

 An application of salt every fall as a top dressing is 

 necessary ; cover the bed say one-quarter to one-half inch 

 with the salt. The old idea of making a rock bottom 

 bed for this vegetable was a great mistake, and required 

 immense labor for nothing. Plants may be procured 

 from seedsmen and nurserymen, and planted out at once, 

 thus avoiding the slow process of obtaining them from 

 seeds. 



