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"At the approach of winter, v.hen their natur;.'l season of 

 growth is over, the tops vviH turn white, and they tnay then be cut 

 down close to the ground. Cure should be observed not to do 

 this while they are at all green, bec;njse in that case the roots are 

 likely to sprout again. The dead .stalks, and all weeds — if any 

 there be found, can either be gathered into a pile and burned, or 

 else be taken to the compost heap or pig pen, to be subsequently 

 returned to the ground in the sliape of manure, "^rhe bed ought 

 now to receive a thin top-dressing of good, rotten dung, about 

 three inches thick, together with a covering of leaves, liller, or 

 even a little rich soil. This is the only way to ensure a healthy 

 growth of the roots in tho coming year. 



In March or April of the following spring, as soon as the frost 

 leaves the ground, and before the buds are expected to start, re- 

 move the covering, and dig the surface of the bed with the fork, 

 in order to mix the old manure Vi'ith the soil, as well as to admit 

 heat and air to the roots. The tines of the fork ought not to be 

 inserted to a greater depth than three or four inches, lest the 

 crowns of the roots be injured. This havmg been properly done^ 

 the next thing is to rake off the heavy clods and stones into the 

 alleys. Owing, to its marine character, Ihe asparagus plant re- 

 ceives decided benefit from frequent and liberal applications of 

 common salt. It is best applied at this season of the year, .spread 

 thinly upon the surface of the bed, and then raked under. A 

 smaller quantity may be given some two or three limes afterwards 

 during the summer. Many gardeners recommend the ure of brine 

 of the strength of sea-water, to be sprinkled upon the ground ev- 

 ery fortnight or three weeks through the growing season. There 

 is but little danger of making the ground too rich; some caution 

 must be observed, however, in the opplication of salt, as by its 

 injudicious use several fine plant.itionsj are snid to have been de- 

 stroyed. In cur own garden, all we dare do, is to sprinkle on 

 just enough to n.ake the ground look white, as though a light 

 snow haa fallen. 



This course of management for the spring and winter dress- 

 ings, must be pursued annually so long as the bed remains. In 

 summer, the only culture necessary is to keep the soil in good 

 tilth. In dry seasons, a regular application of water at stated in- 

 tervals will prove of decided benefit, securing a vigorous and un- 

 interrupted growth. No portion of the crop ought to be gathered 

 previous to the fourth season after the sowing of the seed." 



*'To cook. — In the first place, cut oft' the tough, white part of 

 the stalks, in such manner that they may be of nearly equal 

 length. Put them into small bundles, and boil them from fifteen 

 to twenty minutes according to their age. The addition of a 

 quarter-teaspoonful of salaratus to three quarts of the water, will 

 preserve the fresh, green color of the asparagus. A little salt 

 should be put in the stew pan. Toast a large slice of bread, and 



