ASPAHAGU&. 57 



necessary, as the beds can be made of any desired width, 

 and we think it is better to give greater space between 

 the rows than is usually done say fifteen to eighteen 

 inches apart in order to allow free access of light and air, 

 for it is the strong, healthy growth of the plant during the 

 present season, that produces a crop of large, succulent 

 shoots the ensuing spring and summer. 



Another mode is to plant them in long rows three feet 

 apart, with the plants set fifteen to eighteen inches apart 

 on the row ; preparing the soil with the plow and sub- 

 soiler, working in plenty of manure into the trenches. 

 This is the mode adopted for field culture, and where the 

 garden space admits of it, and the beds are cultivated by 

 horse hoes, it is the preferable mode if large quantities of 

 shoots are required. 



In planting the roots after the beds are prepared, 

 stretch a line the length of the row, open a trench six or 

 eight inches deep, somewhat sloping on the side next to 

 the line, against this side lay the plants with the crowns 

 about six or seven inches from the surface of the bed, 

 spreading out the roots fanwise, and as you proceed throw- 

 ing in the excavated earth against them, and pressing it 

 down firmly with the foot. When planted in rows a foot 

 apart the plants will get more air and light by being 

 planted in quincunx. 



The after cultivation of the beds consists in keeping 

 them scrupulously clear of weeds; every spring give them 

 a top dressing of rotted manure, superphosphate of lime 

 or guano. In the interior of the country, away from the 

 influence of the sea air, a top dressing of salt is beneficial, 

 applied at the rate of fifteen or sixteen pounds to sixty 

 square yards. A liberal application of liquid manure may 

 also be used to great advantage. A spading fork is pre- 



