CHAPTER XXVIII. 



CULTQRAL DIRECTIONS. 



HOW THE VARIOUS CROPS OF OUR GARDENS ARE GROWN MOST 

 EASILY AND PROFITABLY THEIR LEADING VARIETIES. 



" Care brings crops." 



N the following pages I have attempted to describe the 

 best methods of growing the various vegetables, as 

 practised by myself and good gardeners generally. 

 Of varieties, I can only mention the leading or typi- 

 cal ones, and of the newer sorts those that have 

 passed examination creditably, or at least give 

 promise of value. Concerning untried novelties, I 

 must refer the reader to the annual catalogues of our 

 progressive seedsmen. 



ANISE. 



Pimpinella Anistim. German, yi;^z>. French, -4 w.f. Spanish, 

 A7iis. — Anise is one of the half-hardy " sweet herbs," and almost 

 as easily grown as a weed. Sow seed in April or May where it 

 is to remain, in warm and well drained soil, drills to be 12 or 15 

 inches apart. It is but little grown in American gardens. 



The seed has a delicate flavor and perfume, and is prized 

 for its medical properties. Germans use it quite commonly for 

 flavoring apple-sauce. . 



ARTICHOKE— GLOBE. 



Cynara Scolynms. German, Artichoke. French, Artichaut. 

 Spanish, Alcacliofa. — The Globe Artichoke is propagated from 

 seed, division of roots, or from suckers. In order to obtain a 

 stock of plants, seed may be sown early in hot-beds, and plants 

 transferred to open ground in May, setting in rows three feet 

 apart, with two feet distance between plants. The rich black 

 soil of river bottoms, moist but well-drained, answers the 

 requirements of this crop best. A bed once established will 

 remain in bearing for a number of years, but needs protection in 



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