THE SCOTS GARDENER 



little huts of earth at the crossings, whereon you 

 must spread the roots of your asparagus, two on a 

 hut ; but do not top their roots. You may perceive 

 their poynts are like the runners of liquorish; then 

 cover the sets with the rotted manure and earth, 

 two inches over, which hasbeenlying ayearin com- 

 post. They cannot abide wet grounds, and weeds 

 will quy t destroy them. At the approach of winter 

 cut their stalks, and cover their beds with leitter 

 and manure from the stables. The winter r aines will 

 wash in its substance to their roots. At spring ere 

 they peep, remove it, and loosen the earth amongst 

 them with a fork, and cover them near half an inch 

 with the mould raked and leveled, but do not tread 

 on them. Follow this direction yearly, and in four 

 or five years it will be excellent for cutting. Cut 

 the biggest and tender est, a little within the ground ; 

 but hurt not those ready to peep. The seed is ripe 

 when red. 



You may have early asparagus, if you plant some 

 strong roots on your early hot-bed, which about a 

 moneth hence will spring, and then dy. 



Purslain may be sowen on the early hot-bed ; it 

 cannot endure deep interring ; sow it on a fine mould 

 like dust, and only clap it a little with the shovell; 



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