116 VEGECULTURE 



or May in the open air, and the resulting plants allowed to 

 remain, thinned out to the required distance apart ; but these 

 will not give results until the following year. Other methods 

 consist in successional planting of plants, when obtainable ; 

 also in cutting back the old plants close to the earth at intervals 

 during the spring and summer. The Artichoke, however, is 

 at the height of its possible perfection in its third season. New 

 shoots can always be produced by cutting back the flowering 

 stems. 



In dry weather, copious waterings with clear and manure- 

 water are necessary, and a mulch of rotten manure, leaves, etc., 

 is very beneficial. Globe Artichokes are not altogether of a 

 hardy nature, and in many districts protection during the 

 winter is imperative ; and it is usually advisable to place a 

 light heap of leaves or litter over the stools on the approach 

 of hard weather, or to give an earthing up of loose soil ; a 

 covering of litter, upon which the earth is banked, is an excel- 

 lent protection in cold districts. The protecting material, 

 however, should be removed immediately fair weather obtains. 

 The soil between the rows may be dug lightly and manured 

 each year in the spring with advantage. Fresh plantations 

 every year are advisable where space permits ; and no bed 

 should be allowed to exist longer than four years. 



Artichokes are a most delicate vegetable when properly 

 and well cooked ; and it is in its ideal state when young and 

 freshly gathered. The base portion of the " scales " of the 

 heads and the stem just beneath them are the edible parts, 

 although, if blanched by earthing up, the stems and leaves 

 provide a dish not to be despised ; and if the heads themselves 

 are gathered when in a very young condition, and boiled like 

 an ordinary vegetable, they will be found to be most excellent. 



There are several varieties, but British seedsmen and nursery- 

 men usually offer two stock varieties the Purple and Green. 



MAIZE, or INDIAN CORN (Zea ways) .Most people are 

 familiar with the Maize, or Indian Corn, as grown for forage or 

 as an ornamental plant in the garden, but comparatively few 

 know what a delicious vegetable the " cobs " make when 

 properly grown and served. A hot, dry summer brings the 

 plant to the greatest perfection, and it requires a long season. 

 Seeds are sown singly in small pots in April, and the plants 

 established in well-enriched soil the first week in June. The 

 Seeds may also be sown in the open border about the same time 



