4O THE CULINARY GARDEN. [FEB. 



Of planting Potatoes. 



A few may be ventured on a warm, light spot, 

 under a wall or other fence, but the nearer to the 

 end of the month, the better ; that is, for those who 

 have no better conveniency, or other means of rais- 

 ing early potatoes. But by those who have, some 

 of the early sorts may now be planted thickly on 

 slight hot-beds, to be covered with a frame and 

 lights ; or to be hooped over, and be covered with 

 mats or canvases at night, and in bad weather; 

 which is a very good method of obtaining early 

 potatoes, as they are not so much drawn, as if kept 

 close under glass. A moderate dung-heat is suffi- 

 cient for the purpose ; and the plants, after they 

 have come up, should be exposed from morning till 

 night, in good weather, but should be carefully co- 

 vered at night, for fear of frost. Even in using 

 frames and lights, they should be fully exposed in 

 good weather, and should not be kept so closely 

 shut up as is commonly done ; by which they are 

 drawn entirely to tops, and do little good at root. 

 In either case, they should have moderate and re- 

 gular supplies of water. 



Of planting Shallots. 



Shallots may still be planted, if not already done, 

 and the sooner now the better. See last month for 

 full directions. 



Of sowing Spinage,. 



Spinage, of the round sort, may be sown on an 

 open spot at the beginning, and also for successional 



