ASPARAGUS. 45 



now partially superseded by machines constructed of metal, 

 much more convenient than the one described. In either 

 case, across the bottom and between the stakes or metal 

 bands, a string must be laid, and on this lay the asparagus, 

 the heads against the back board, to keep them even until 

 a quantity sufficient for a bunch of the size desired has 

 been placed in. Draw the string tight and tie, cut the 

 bottom or base of the bunch even, remove from the frame, 

 press the string down firm, place a light string above the 

 other near the top, and the bunch is ready for market, 

 The size of the bunch must be regulated by circumstances. 

 The stalks should be cut when about six inches above 

 ground, cutting four inches below, hence averaging ten 

 inches in length, and when trimmed will leave the bunch 

 about nine inches long. 



An ordinary bunch is from four to five inches in diame- 

 ter at the center. Use bass-mat or other flat strings, to 

 avoid cutting the stalks. 



Pack the bunches with fresh-cut grass, below and be- 

 tween, in boxes, keeping in an upright position. 



Growing for Family Use. "When asparagus is grown 

 for family use only, in small quantities, the rows may be 

 not more than half as far apart as for field culture, in which 

 case the bed must be worked entirely by hand, using the 

 spading fork to loosen the soil. 



Seed. Asparagus produces seed when two years old. 

 "When fully developed, the stalks are from five to six feet 

 in hight, with numerous branches, upon which are pro- 

 duced a profusion of bright scarlet berries, containing 

 from three to six seeds each. To save the seed, cut 

 the stalks as soon as the berries are ripe, which may be 

 known by their changing color from green to scarlet, and 

 softening somewhat. The berries may be stripped by 

 hand, or thrashed upon a cloth or floor. After separating 

 from the stalks, place the berries in a barrel or tub, and 

 mash them with a wooden pounder, to break the outer 



