ASPARAGUS. 43 



hoe, and repeat during the summer, gradually filling the 

 furrows, so that by fall the whole surface may be level. 



The object of this plan is to ultimately have the crowns 

 deep, which, on account of the weakness of the shoot the 

 first season, can not be accomplished at the time of plant- 

 ing. In the fall, plow a light furrow to the roAVs on both 

 sides, previously applying well-rotted manure or bone-dust 

 over the rows. In spring, harrow down level, cultivate 

 and hoe during the summer, never allowing the weeds to 

 get a start. The following or second fall, plow away from 

 the rows on both sides ; apply well-rotted manure, compost, 

 or bone-dust in the furrows, and plow back, leaving the 

 earth in ridges over every row, stirring the ground be- 

 tween the rows, and always being careful not to cut or 

 disturb the roots. In spring, harrow down nearly or quite 

 level. This season the strongest shoots may be cut ; but 

 avoid cutting many, lest the roots be weakened and there- 

 by permanently injured. Cultivate during the summer as 

 before, manuring the following and every succeeding fall 

 as previously directed. After the third year the asparagus 

 may be cut indiscriminately. Every succeeding spring 

 the earth should be harrowed fine, and may be left slight- 

 ly raised above the rows, which has a tendency to bring 

 the shoots forward earlier than when grown on a level sur- 

 face. The stalks should be removed before the seeds 

 ripen and fall, lest they germinate and grow, causing more 

 work, and if the plants are allowed to remain, they will 

 soon make the bed a mass of roots and damage the crop. 

 Coarse salt may be used after the third year at the rate 

 of five bushels to the acre, applied to the rows with the 

 manure, or three times that quantity, broadcast, in the fall. 

 Some argue that a heavier dressing will be beneficial, 

 and even assert that salt may be applied to this crop, 

 broadcast, one half an inch thick over the entire surface. 



I would not, however, recommend using more than the 

 quantity first named, and it is very doubtful whether this 



