103 



Battersea, Deptford, Cork, Dutch, Gravesend, Read- 

 ing and Mortlake, but it is now well-known that 

 these were merely fine specimens of the two varieties 

 above-named, improved by high cultivation. The 

 same observation applies to the Giant Asparagus, 

 which is only the red-topped variety induced to grow 

 to a larger size by an unlimited supply of congenial 

 manures during its growing time, and planted deep, 

 so as to enable a great length of stalk to be cut. By 

 this observation we do not intend to disparage this 

 improved growth, for we think it well worthy of cul- 

 tivation, but we wish to warn our readers not to be 

 disappointed if they find, under a less stimulating 

 system of cultivation, they do not succeed in obtain- 

 ing such a large and satisfactory produce. 



PROPAGATION. 



Although Asparagus is propagated only by seed, 

 yet the gardener may establish it in his beds either 

 by sowing where the plants are intended to remain for 

 production, or he may employ rooted plants that have 

 already attained the growth of two or three years. 

 As every removal, especially to a plant with such 

 fleshy roots, is a check and injury to its vigorous 

 growth, if plenty of time can be allowed for the plants 

 to establish themselves previously to being cut, seeds 



