150 



where much Asparagus is required for forcing, and 

 one or two beds are required to be taken up each 

 year for this purpose, this kind of rest will become 

 less necessary ; in fact, the beds may be cut rather 

 close for about three years from the commencement 

 of cutting, and then rest entirely one summer. In 

 the ensuing winter such beds will be found in very 

 good condition for forcing. This is our own prac- 

 tice, and we see no reason to depart from it. We 

 force two beds each winter, and plant two fresh ones 

 in lieu thereof. The two fresh beds invariably suc- 

 ceed two celery beds prepared in the Scotch manner, 

 viz., six feet in width. These are prepared of double 

 the depth usual for celery ; the bottom of it contain- 

 ing much vegetable matter in a somewhat raw state, 

 the richer and more decomposed manure being kept 

 nearer the surface. We have a double aim in pur- 

 suing this practice ; in the first place we secure a 

 constant succession of what is termed ** maiden" 

 grass, which is always very full flavoured ; and in the 

 second, which, in a general scheme of cropping, we 

 consider more important still, some excellent and 

 fresh ground comes to hand annually, for any of the 

 Brassica tribes, for which, from their number, variety, 

 and frequent repetition in kitchen garden, it is always 

 a matter of great difliculty to find room. 



The Asparagus shoots are either cut for use, either 

 with saw or chisel-edged knives, or they are broken 



