i8o VEGETABLES FOR EXHIBITION 



It is quite safe to say that hardly too much farm- 

 yard manure can be given when trenching. The long- 

 est should be placed quite at the bottom of the trench, 

 and the shorter and more decayed in the centre. In 

 the course of trenching, no matter at what season, 

 always leave the surface rough so that as much of the 

 soil as possible will receive the full benefit of the 

 weather. Immediately it is finished apply a good 

 dressing of soot, and in the case of stiff wet soil strew 

 the surface with fine mortar rubbish, road grit and 

 burnt garden refuse, all of which will prove beneficial. 

 It may be thus left until the early days of April. It 

 should then be forked over to the depth of eight inches 

 and made very fine choosing good weather for the 

 purpose when another dressing of soot and some 

 approved patent manure should be given. Afterwards 

 rake over, leaving the surface quite fine and level. 



The beds should be marked out ten feet in width, 

 allowing a good broad alley, sufficiently wide to walk 

 between comfortably for watering and giving the 

 necessary attention. Mark out the rows about fifteen 

 inches apart, and allow a distance of one foot from 

 plant to plant. The plants should have been brought 

 forward properly hardened off and ready for trans- 

 planting to their permanent positions as early in the 

 month of April as the weather will permit ; lift with 

 a garden trowel, plant firmly, and always use light 

 boards for walking on. 



Raising Summer Onions. It is first of all important 

 to get a trustworthy strain, for without it success is 



