I 8 ASPARAGUS 



Jamaica, L- I-, N. Y., Mr. Henderson wrote: 

 thorough inspection of the roots of each lot pre 

 that they were of the same age when planted, 

 soil was next exammed, and found to be as near 

 same as could be, yet these two beds of asparci 

 showed a difference that no longer left me a sha( 

 of a doubt of their being entirely different varietit 



In but few vegetables do the conditions of e 

 locality, mode of cultivation, and other circumstai 

 affe(5l the quality, size, and appearance as much a^ 

 asparagus. It is therefore difficult to distingi 

 fixed and permanent varieties from mere local strj 

 and forms secured b}- seledlion. 



Through natural and artificial seledlion, throi 

 use of seed of strong shoots from superior roots, th 

 has been improvement in the size and yield of aspj 

 gus; from the peculiar adaptability of soil and climj 

 and the effe(5t of manure and high cultivation, th 

 have appeared certain variations in the produ<5l of 

 ferent beds which have led to the bestowing of a i 

 name; but the effe(5t of this care and these favora 

 conditions is not sufficiently strong to produce disti 

 varieties with fixed characfteristics. Therefore, w 

 correal and rational treatment of the plant from 

 time of seeding through all the stages of culture, sa 

 factory results may be reached with almost anj- of ' 

 varieties on the market. 



AMERICAN VARIETIES 



Burr's Mammoth (Barr's Philadelphia Mammotl 

 — Originated with Crawford Barr, a prominent marl 

 gardener of Pennsylvania. It is one of the earli 



