166 CARROT-WORM. 



insect ; but it will also prevent every kind of vege- 

 table growth. 



7. With the above adjuncts always adopt one 

 grand rule namely, that of putting the crop into 

 the best condition for thriving, as it invariably fol- 

 lows that the dwindling growth of bad cultivation is 

 the most assailed by all manner of insect depreda- 

 tors. Have the ground deep dug or trenched and 

 ridged up before winter. If the under stratum of 

 the trench be too poor mix it with a moderate por- 

 tion of old dung. Carrots will do well after onions 

 or celery without additional manure; but in all 

 cases the soil must be rich, though the roots must 

 not be allowed to come in contact with manure re- 

 cently applied. 



About the end of April, when a great deal of 

 annual weeds have begun to vegetate, and when the 

 ground is very dry, break down the ridges, and dig 

 afresh, killing the annuals and making the mould 

 as fine as meal. Sow in drills about an inch in 

 depth and eighteen inches from each other; and by 

 several thinnings leave the plants ultimately nine 

 inches apart, stirring up the ground at each weed- 

 ing with a hoe or strong fork. The early-horn is 

 the most delicate; the long red is the best for a 

 late crop; and the Altringham, it is said, is the 

 least liable to become the prey of worms. The seed 

 requires to be well rubbed before sowing, in order 

 that it may separate freely, and not occasion blanks 

 or thick patches, which prove detrimental to the 

 crop. 



