133 FARM-GARDENING AND SEED-GROWING. 



feet in the rows, covering the crowns about two inches. 

 The after-cultivation consists in cultivating and hoeing, 

 and the general manner of working is the same as directed 

 for asparagus. 



It may be grown in a forcing pit by setting large roots 

 thick together, burying six inches with fine manure, and 

 covering with sashes, which need seldom be opened, 

 except to apply water, which may be applied often enough 

 to keep the bed somewhat moist. Grown in this way it 

 comes early and commands good prices. 



Marketing. The stalks must be pulled, trimmed, tied in 

 bunches of three to six, and the leaves cut away one half. 

 It may be packed in ventilated boxes for shipping. 



Seed. The seed is produced on a tall stalk thrown up 

 from the center of the plant, and when ripe and dry may 

 be stripped by hand. 



The seed-stalks should never be allowed to grow when 

 leaf-stalks are wanted for market The seed retains its 

 vitality two years. 



Varieties. The leading varieties are LinnaBus for early 

 and Victoria for main crop. 



SALSIFY OR OYSTER-PLANT. 



The demand for this vegetable is steadily increasing, 

 and considerable quantities are now sold. The seed is 

 difficult to grow, or rather to save, as small birds are very 

 fond of it, and attack it when in the milk, while yet unfit 

 to gather. Still, when it can be saved it is in demand, 

 as the American seed is preferred to the imported. 



Soil and Preparation. The soil should be light and 

 rich, and may be prepared as directed for carrots, using 

 double the quantity of manure. The after-cultivation is 

 the same as for that crop. 



Marketing* The roots must be trimmed, washed, and 



