119 



to feed upon. An attentive observer of the natural 

 history of the Asparagus plant, cannot fail to discern 

 the propriety of using saline manures in its growth ; 

 and the same treatment as to sea weed and sea sand 

 applies to sea-kale. Both these plants are indigenous 

 in Cornwall, and there is an island near the Lizard 

 Point, called Asparagus island, on which that plant 

 grows, and where I have frequently gathered it. In 

 heavy gales of mnd the sea breaks over the part of 

 this island on which the Asparagus grows. The 

 soil is sand, and loose decomposed vegetable sub- 

 stances. {Gard. Chron. 1844, 524.) 



Another authority adds, that sea water is the best 

 of all means of applying salt ; because it is a vehicle 

 for other substances, such, for instance, as chloride 

 of magnesium, on which it is probable that the 

 Asparagus feeds. We should water our beds with 

 sea water during the whole of the season of growth, 

 and also in the spring, just when the shoots are 

 beginning to move. {Ibid. 1843, 577.) 



If salt water be employed, we recommend a close 

 imitation of that of the sea ; using it as weak as it 

 is found, usually, near the mouth of a river. This 

 may be effected by dissolving two-and-a-half ounces 

 of common salt and half an ounce of Epsom salts 

 (sulphate of magnesia) in each gallon of water. 

 This solution might be poured over the bed plenti- 

 fully once a week. 



