110 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



east to west on the top, and so working downwards 

 till the whole is completed ; let the plants be set 

 about a foot apart each way, and nearly up to their 

 tops, where, by a protection of fern, peahaulm, straw, 

 or mats, they can be defended from the weather, 

 and be ready for use in a short time when required. 

 Where frames or pits are to spare, they may be 

 used to advantage in preserving endive that has 

 been previously blanched for daily use, by filling 

 them with thoroughly consumed dry tan : where 

 much of this article is used, a good store should 

 always be kept in readiness, as it will be found of 

 great utility in severe seasons for protecting many 

 kinds of plants, which otherwise w r ould be difficult 

 to preserve. When the frame or pit is filled up, the 

 endive should be taken in a dry day with the roots 

 entire, and plunged in the tan nearly to the top in 

 this state ; after the lights are put on they will rest 

 secure, and be ready for use at all times and in all 

 weathers. 



Should there be any plants of the last sowing left 

 in the seed-bed, they may be taken up and planted 

 in drills in the warmest part of the garden, where, 

 if they survive the winter, they will, by drawing a 

 little mould to each side, be found very useful 

 either for soups or stewing ; a garden, in the month 

 of March, being rarely overstocked with them. 



The blanching of endive should always be per- 

 formed in dry days ; and in winter, when the weather 

 is dry without frost. Using strings of fresh bass, 

 tie the leaves regularly together a little above the 

 middle, moderately close. If the soil is light and 

 dry, earth them up half way; but if moist, merely 



