CULTIVATION 7 1 



heavy application of manure was given to the entire 

 bed. The following year but few shoots appeared in 

 the strips which had been cut all through the summer. 

 These were treated the same as before, and in the third 

 year not a sprout appeared in the alley's. The stalks 

 left for use improved greatly during the first year and 

 the third year were of good serviceable size and quality, 

 so that even after the new bed, which had been planted 

 at the time this experiment was commenced, came into 

 bearing, the old one was retained for several j^ears 

 longer. Probably if the vacant strips had been made 

 three or four feet wide the result would have been 

 still better. This experience suggests the idea that 

 the easiest and least expensive way of exterminating 

 an old asparagus bed is to persistently mow down 

 all the shoots for a season or two. 



