286 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



long litter, Sin. or 4in. thick. This is left on until the seed has 

 germinated, after which it is raked off into the alleys daily, but 

 immediately replaced on the appearance of frost or snow. 

 Some thinning of the seedlings will probably be necessary, 

 l|in. apart each way being about the right distance for the 

 small-topped varieties, which should be used for the earliest 

 crops. When the plants have become fairly strong, coverings 

 are dispensed with if the weather is mild, but the litter is kept 

 close at hand, to be used again in case there is a return of 

 frost. 



Successional Sowings are made in open situations in March 

 and April. From May to August the seed must be sown in cool 

 moist places, as Radishes do not succeed well if fully exposed to 

 the sun in hot dry weather. When suitable places can be found, 

 a summer crop is sometimes very profitable, especially in a dry 

 season, but for really satisfactory results frequent waterings 

 will be found necessary. Being so quickly off the ground they 

 can often be advantageously sown between rows of lettuces, 

 cauliflowers, peas, French beans, and similar crops, the shade 

 afforded being an advantage, provided they are sown thinly. 



Sowing on open ground recommences at the end of August, 

 after the soil has been moistened with a few good showers, 

 and goes on to the end of October, but the latest sowings will 

 again need the protection of litter. Suitable ground will be 

 foun'd where crops which have required heavy manuring have 

 been recently cleared, such as early celery, French beans, and 

 vegetable marrows, the soil being deeply dug and levelled and 

 the surface brought to a fine tilth. 



Varieties : For hot-beds, forcing varieties of French Break- 

 fast, Scarlet White-tipped Turnip, Red Turnip, White Turnip, 

 Wood's Early Frame (long), Scarlet Olive, and White Olive. 

 For sheltered beds, any of the preceding varieties in ordinary 

 selections. For open situations and summer crops, any of the 

 preceding ordinary selections and Long Scarlet, White-tipped 

 Long Scarlet, and Long White, 



