222 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



taken that none of the plants be disturbed or in the least 

 degree injured, as the slightest wound inflicted on them in the 

 young state increases during growth, producing a kind of 

 canker in the part, which not only presents a very unsightly 

 appearance, but also greatly injures the value of the bulb, no 

 other of our green crops being so susceptible to injury. In 

 drill-grubbing and harrowing there exists no danger of injury, 

 provided the implements be properly adjusted and cai-efully 

 employed ; but in all the operations great care must be 

 exercised. 



Another hand-hoeing and drill-grubbing should be given 

 some time before the crop is so far advanced as to render it 

 unsafe to work amongst it. 



In conducting the after culture of the crop, it is well to keep 

 in mind that the number of operations need not be restricted 

 to those above mentioned, for when the soil is a strong one 

 more will be required to keep it in a loose state, to admit of 

 the passage of the minute spongloles and delicate fibres in 

 search of food ; but on average soils those enumerated are 

 sufficient. 



Regarding the propriety of divesting the plants of a portion 

 of their leaves, so much practised in many places, and which 

 yields such a large supply of valuable feeding at a time when 

 other green food is scarce, different opinions are entertained ; 

 but there is no disputing the fact that if they be removed too 

 early, while in a succulent and active state, the produce of the 

 growing crop will be diminished, which will appear to be an 

 evident and unavoidable result, when we reflect on the 

 important functions performed by the leaves of plants. On the 

 other hand, if the leaves be not removed till they are observed 

 to droop or flag, showing by their appearance that they are no 

 longer actively employed in performing their special and valu- 

 able functions, then they may be removed with safety. The 

 first removal of the leaves may commence towards the middle 

 of September, when those exhibiting the above appearances 

 should be collected, and a fresh supply for a second gathering 

 will be ready towards the middle of October. By this means a 

 large quantity of excellent cattle-feeding may be .obtained, 

 which would otherwise be cither lost or come in at a period 

 when it would not be of half its value, other feeding being 



