ASPARAGUS 35 



this the crown growths will be poor for forcing next 

 season. Permanent beds forced thus last many years, 

 and, if they are forced annually, produce may be ob- 

 tained early in the year, but, of course, the beds need 

 much feeding after the cutting ceases. If, for instance, 

 the beds are started in December and cutting begins 

 in January or a month or six weeks from the time of 

 starting, there will be a long supply, that is, in ordin- 

 ary seasons, from the end of January until the beds 

 in the open are ready, when cutting should cease, and 

 the beds receive liberal supplies of food in the shape 

 of quick-acting fertilisers and liquid manure. Apply 

 these at least once a month until top growth is less 

 active. 



In forming beds heated by hot-water pipes, brick 

 sides are best, and the chamber must be of sufficient 

 depth for the heat to circulate freely. A flow and 

 return pipe will be sufficient, and the glass frame or, 

 what is better, sliding sashes should be placed over 

 the beds, as then it is handier to get at the plants 

 during growth. In any case the frames for covering 

 the beds must be portable, as they are best removed 

 when forcing ceases, but they are most valuable in the 

 kitchen garden, as in the early spring they may be 

 used for early vegetables just planted out or sown, 

 such as French Beans, Cauliflowers, Salads, or for 

 plants and fruits, and in the early autumn for late 

 Beans and Salads. The temperature of the frame 

 should not be high, sixty-five degrees being quite suf- 

 ficient. During sunshine, and as the days lengthen, 



