Oct.] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 59 1 



to have the stalks cut down and the weeds drawn oft' into the alleys, 

 which must be dug to bury them, and as you proceed spread a little 

 of the earth over the beds, after which they are to be treated as 

 noticed next month. 



I would not advise to attempt the forcing of asparagus sooner 

 than November, as before that period the roots will not be com- 

 pletely matured; however, you may, about the middle or towards 

 the latter end of this month, begin to prepare hot-beds for the 

 reception of the roots early in November. See the method in 

 page 121. 



Celery and Cardoons. 



In dry weather continue to earth up celery and cardoons, to 

 blanch them, as directed in page 480. For the method of preserving 

 them in winter see next month. 



Aromatic and Medicinal Herbs, 4'C. 



Cut down all the decayed flower stems and shoots of the various 

 kinds of aromatic, pot, and medicinal herbs close to the heads of 

 the plants, or to the surface of the ground, according to the nature 

 or growth of the different sorts; at the same time clear the beds 

 very well from weeds and litter, and carry the whole off the 

 ground. 



Lavender, thyme, hyssop, winter savoury, southern wood, sage, 

 rue, and the like undershrubby kinds will require only their tops 

 or heads to be neatly dressed; but pot marjoram, baum, burnet, 

 tarragon, tansey, penny-royal, sorrel, chamomile, fennel, marsh 

 mallows, horehound, mint of every kind, angelica, lovage, and 

 every kind of herbaceous perennial herbs should be cut down pretty 

 close to the ground. 



After this it will be proper in beds where the plants stand 

 distant from one another, to lightly dig and loosen the ground 

 between them; or, in old beds it would be a great advantage to 

 spread some very rotten dung equally over the surface, and with 

 a small spade or trowel to dig it in lightly between the plants; 

 if they are in beds with alleys between them, dig the alleys and 

 spread a little of the loose earth over the beds, leaving the edges 

 full and straight. 



But the beds of close growing running plants, such as mint, 

 penny-royal, and the like creeping herbs will not well admit of 

 digging; therefore, after the stalks are cut down and the beds 

 cleared from weeds, dig the alleys and strew some of the loose 

 earth evenly over the beds; and if the ground be rather poor, 

 a light top dressing of very rotten dung will be of considerable 

 service. 



This dressing will give proper culture and protection to the 

 roots of the plants, a neat appearance to the whole, and in spring 

 the shoots will rise with renewed vigour. 



Early in the month you may plant, where wanted, well rooted 

 3 S 



