120 GARDEN PLANTS. TART II. 



is, that it is in season just when all other European vegetables 

 have gone' out. 



The seeds should be sown in August, or as soon after as prac- 

 ticable, under shelter from the weather, in seed-gumlahs, in 

 very loose mellow earth, both rich and sandy ; for if the soil 

 be at all retentive the roots, which are very delicate, would at 

 the time of planting out be sure to be broken, and the plants 

 much checked in consequence. By the time the Rains are 

 over the young seedling-plants should be about ten inches high. 



The most economical mode of proceeding then is, in a plot of 

 ground selected for the purpose, to dig cylindrical holes a foot 

 wide and two or more feet deep, at a distance of a foot and a 

 half apart. In these, to the depth of about ten inches, throw a 

 compost of equal parts of mould and well-decayed manure. 

 Plant one plant in each, spreading the roots horizontally, in a 

 fan form, and taking great care not to break them in doing so. 

 Well water them, and continue to do so constantly, never 

 allowing the soil to become at all dry. As the plants advance 

 in height, so keep filling in soil well enriched with manure. 

 In three or four months' time the holes will thus become filled 

 up to a level with the surrounding ground. About the end of 

 April or in the beginning of May they will bear flowers, the 

 removal of which before forming seed, though considered by 

 some a needless trouble, will conduce to strengthen the plants. 

 It is, however, of great importance that no portion of the 

 foliage should be plucked, but rather be encouraged to make as 

 vigorous growth as possible. When the Rains commence the 

 plants will require no further attention ; they will send up at 

 that period several shoots, from which cuttings might be made 

 for table use ; but it is far better to spare them and allow them 

 to grow into branches, and not make any cuttings till the 

 following year. In the Cold season the stems will die entirely 

 down and the plants remain dormant till March, when they 

 will make indications of again sprouting. At this time, there- 

 fore, preparations may be made for what is called forcing them 

 for the table. The earth should be removed till the roots of 

 the plants are reached, and a good rich dressing of manure 

 supplied ; after this they should be well watered daily. In 

 about a fortnight's time fine green heads will begin to show 

 themselves above ground, which may be cut for the table. 



