123 



with leaves that may be collected, or any useless litter, 

 will soon become a large quantity of mould. (Gard. 

 Mag. ii. 2/8.) 



Potter's Guano may be applied at the rate of half 

 a pound per square yard to Asparagus beds. It 

 should be well diluted in water, and applied in por- 

 tions weekly during the early part of summer, com- 

 mencing immediately the cutting is over. {Gard. 

 Chron.. 1844, 656.) 



Nitrate of Soda has been applied, it is said, with 

 great advantage to Asparagus. It should be sown 

 over the beds in May, and not more than 2 lbs. to 

 every 16 square yards. 



In casting a glance over preceding statements and 

 opinions, and adding thereto our own opinion, founded 

 on a practice of many years, we would suggest that 

 the following points are perfectly established, viz., 

 first, that a loose and friable soil is most congenial to 

 this vegetable ; secondly, that it should be rich in 

 vegetable matter at least, if not of active manures ; 

 thirdly, that a very considerable depth is necessary, 

 not less than two feet ; and lastly, that this soil must 

 be well drained. With regard to the last, it must be 

 remembered that the Asparagus in the growing season 

 loves moisture in great abundance, although it is im- 

 patient of stagnation. It remains, therefore, for some 

 one to do justice to those principles which, after all, 

 may be copied in the main from a well managed Eng- 



