LONG-ROOTED VEGETABLES 39 



nothing difficult in this operation, it would prove a tedious and 

 unprofitable one for those who wish to obtain a supply for 

 present consumption, as quite three seasons are wasted whilst 

 the plants are progressing towards maturity and a usable size. 

 The seed is sown upon a well-trenched and manured plot, about 

 the last week in March. The seed-bed may previously have 

 been treated with a thin layer of salt. Sow very thinly, two inches 

 deep, and strew wood-ashes in the drills. Thin out the seedlings, 

 leaving the best, to about six inches apart. Liberal waterings, 

 both clear and manurial, must be given ; also top dressings 

 between the rows of salt, soot, ashes, etc., and the hoe frequently 

 used. 



Strong one-year-old plants are chosen for the permanent 

 beds, to be transplanted into similar quarters in which they 

 passed their existence as seedlings. Of course, the seed-bed 

 can be transformed into the permanent location, if desired, in 

 which case the seedlings must be thinned out to about two 

 feet apart, and given food and generous culture to ensure strong 

 roots resulting. 



Whether from home-sown seed, or from roots purchased from 

 the nurseryman, the subsequent procedure is the same. 



Cuttings may usually be purchased cheaply from the nursery- 

 man. They consist of thong-like roots, about five inches in length, 

 which are taken off the base of the root-stock when lifting, 

 preparatory to forcing. The top of the cutting will be recognized 

 by the square cut with a few growth buds showing. The base 

 will be cut in a sloping direction. There thus can be no con- 

 fusion as to how to insert them in the ground. A rich rooting 

 medium is necessary, if full-sized forcing plants are desired the 

 following autumn and winter. The end of March is a suitable 

 time to plant in cold, stiff soil, but on soils of lighter texture, 

 a fortnight earlier. Dibble the cuttings one foot apart in the 

 row, and two feet apart between the rows. See that the crowns 

 are about an inch below the level of the ground line. When 

 growth is active go over the plants ; it will then be found that 

 numerous shoots are springing from the crown. These should 

 be reduced to one on each root, choosing the strongest. 



The frequent use of the hoe during the growing period is all 

 the cultural detail required, for they are not appreciably affected 

 by drought, as the long, thick roots which spring from the base 

 of the plants search deeply for moisture. On the approach of 

 autumn the leaves will show signs of decay, and when, after a 

 few sharp frosts, the plants are perfectly rested, they are in a 



