MAY.] KITCHEN VEGETABLES. 79 



as to bury the heart-leaves. Give a moderate wa- 

 tering, which repeat, according to necessity ; and 

 shade with mats, from the sun, for six or eight 

 days. 



Some, in order to save the trouble of nursing the 

 plants thus, sow all their celery crops thin ; alleging, 

 that by having plenty of room, the plants get strength 

 enough, without being pricked out. But this is a 

 gross mistake ; as the plants bush too much in con- 

 sequence, and after being planted out for good, are 

 apt to run for seed. Now if this happen with any 

 after being pricked out, as above directed, the 

 trouble of putting useless plants into the trenches 

 is saved ; and, which is of greater importance, a re- 

 gular crop there is obtained : for plants put in to 

 supply vacancies, never overtake or keep pace with 

 those first planted, and so are next thing to lost. 



Of sowing Cucumbers for pickling. 

 Cucumbers for this purpose may now be sown, ei- 

 ther on a slight hot-bed, or, as directed above for 

 capsicums, under hand or bell-glasses. They will be 

 fit for planting out by the latter end of June, or the 

 beginning of July, which see. In either situation, 

 let them be properly attended to, with respect to 

 watering, and the admission of free air. 



Of sowing French Beans. 



French beans, for successional crops, may be sown 

 in the first, and also in the last week of the month. 

 Of the kinds and manner of sowing, see April. 



