132 KITCHEN-GARDENING. 



As Spinacli is the only vegetable which can be raised to 

 advantage near the close of the growing season, tlie gardener 

 should prepare such grounds as may have been occupied by 

 summer crops ; and by having it well manured for this crop, the 

 soil will be in good condition for Beets, Carrots, Parsnips, Tur- 

 nips, etc., the spring following. If the ground be prepared so 

 as to have several beds sown in succession, from the first to the 

 end of September, the most forward of these, if covered up with 

 straw at the approach of cold weather, will furnish greens for 

 the table when other vegetables are scarce, and the later crops 

 will recover from the effects of a hard winter, and produce a 

 wholesome vegetable early in the spring. 



If Spinach-seed be sown in rich ground in March and "l^pril, 

 it will grow freely ; but it must be cut before the approach of 

 hot weather, or it will run to seed. To raise it in perfection 

 at this season, it should be sown in drills about a foot apart, 

 and be frequently hoed. This will keep it in a growing state, 

 and consequently prevent its running up to seed as quick as 

 it otherwise would. 



It is altogether useless to sow Spinach-seed in poor ground. 

 Let the ground be well manured, and the crop wdll be abundant. 

 Be careful to pick Spinach exceeding clean, and wash it in five 

 or six waters previous to cooking. Some cook Spinach in a 

 steamer over boiling Avater. Others boil it in water. But the 

 best way is to put it into a saucepan that will just hold it, 

 without water, then strew a little salt upon it, and cover it 

 close. Put the saucepan on a clear quick fire ; and when you 

 find the Spinach shrunk and fallen to the bottom, and the 

 juice which comes from it boil up, it is done. In order that it 

 may be rendered capable of absorbing a moderate quantity of 

 gravy, melted butter, etc., which are indispensable with green 

 vegetables, let it be well drained in a sieve, or colander, before 

 it is dished. 



