520 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. [Oct. 



the inside immediately over the plants with dry straw, thus they 

 will be protected from wet and frost and will whiten effectually 

 under the covering of straw, which should be turned occasionally 

 to prevent that part next the plants and earth from becoming 

 mouldy. 



For further particulars respecting the preservation of endive see 

 next month. 



Raising young Mint and Tarragon for use in Winter. 



Where young mint and tarragon is in request at all seasons, you 

 may, towards the end of this month, make a slight hot-bed, and set 

 the plants therein, as directed in page 19; this done, put on the 

 glasses, and observe to raise them behind every day to admit air, 

 and prevent the young rising shoots from being scorched by the 

 effects of a too powerful sun beaming on the lights whilst close 

 shut. The young productions will be fit for use in about three 

 weeks or a month, and afford a supply for a considerable time. 



Winter dressing of Jlsparagus Beds. 



Towards the end of this month if the stalks of your asparagus 

 turn yellow, which is a sign of their having finished their growth 

 for the season, cut them down close to the earth and carry them off" 

 the ground; clear the beds carefully from weeds, eradicating them 

 effectually and drawing them into the alleys. 



Asparagus beds in general will be greatly benefitted by an annual 

 dressing of good manure, and nothing is better or more suitable for 

 them than the dung of old hot-beds; but if that is not to be had, 

 well rotted stable manure will answer; let it be laid equally over 

 the beds one, two, or three inches deep, according to necessity, 

 after which stretch a line, and with a spade mark out the alleys 

 from about eighteen inches to two feet wide, agreeably to their 

 original dimensions. 



Then dig the alleys one spade deep, and spread a considerable 

 part of the earth evenly over the beds; and as you advance let the 

 weeds which were raked oft' into the alleys be dug into the bottom 

 of the trenches and covered a proper depth with earth; observe to 

 make the edges, of the beds straight, full, and neat, and to finish 

 your work in a becoming manner, giving a moderate rounding to 

 the beds, especially if the ground be inclined to wet. 



In the southern states there may be planted in each alley a row 

 of early cabbage plants; but in the middle and eastern states it 

 would be will to fill them up with straw or old litter, well trampled 

 down, which would in some measure prevent the frost from enter- 

 ing that way to the asparagus roots. 



The seedling asparagus which was sown last spring should also 

 now have a slight dressing, that is, to clear the bed from weeds, 

 and then to spread an inch or two in depth of dry rotten dung over 

 it to defend the crowns of the plants from frost. 



The asparagus which is intended for forcing, will likewise require 



