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hand, compel the Asparagus to struggle through 

 solid earth, capable in the smallest possible degree of 

 absorbing warmth during the day ; but, on the other 

 hand, ready to part with its heat again at night to 

 the greatest possible amount. Can any one wonder, 

 then, at the poor results obtained by our manner of 

 cultivation ? or that some gardener should now and 

 then astonish his neighbours by producing Asparagus 

 which we call giant, but which at St. Sebastian would 

 be called second-rate ? {Gard. Chron. 1842, 187.) 



The culture of Asparagus at St. Sebastion is ex- 

 ceedingly interesting to the lover of progress, as 

 throwing light on the use of rotten leaves, highly sti- 

 mulating manures, and saline matters. It must be 

 remembered, however, that a much greater demand 

 exists on the plant in the way of perspiration in this 

 part of Spain than in Britain. It may be noticed, 

 also, that the application of salt water only takes 

 place at spring tide ; this will show that we north- 

 men may apply salt without any danger either dur- 

 ing or at the conclusion of the rest season. 



The covering of leaf soil for the sprouts to come 

 through is a most judicious proceeding ; and, more- 

 over, an advantage which any amateur in a small 

 way may avail himself of, by collecting in due time 

 the rakings of his shrubbery or lawn, short grass 

 mowings, very old and spent tan, and suchlike mat- 

 ters, preparatory to the spring dressing. Such at 



