JAN.] ASPARAGUS. 333 



or six feet, the bed should generally be raised nine 

 inches or a foot higher at back than in front, in or- 

 der to give the lights a proper degree of slope. In 

 the early part of the season particularly, the bed 

 should generally be built of dimensions sufficient to 

 be a foot or fifteen inches larger than the frame all 

 round, which saves a deal of trouble in lining. Beds 

 built near to the frame, a thing not uncommon, very 

 soon lose heat, and require to be lined ; and the 

 sooner, the narrower the frame be. 



The materials for linings should be fermented 

 with as much attention as for the bed ; and in the 

 building, they should be as carefully shaken and 

 beaten, that they may settle equally. 



Of forcing Asparagus. 



Asparagus may be brought to perfection in hot- 

 beds at any time from November, till it comes in 

 the natural ground. Those who wish to have it at 

 Christmas, should begin to prepare a bed, or beds, 

 about the middle of November. As the process of 

 forcing, however, does not materially differ at any 

 season from November till March, I shall choose a 

 medium time, and begin with the year. The intel- 

 ligent reader will make allowance for the season, 

 and proportion the strength of the bed or beds ac- 

 cordingly ; which forms the chief difference, toge- 

 ther with the admission of fresh air, as the state of 

 the weather will permit. 



A moderate heat is sufficient for the production 

 of asparagus, and rank steam is pernicious both to 

 its colour and flavour ; the dung or litter to be used 



