VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTUEE. 263 



from those shoots which are sound aud strong, aud have 

 already formed some roots. Uncover the old stools to the 

 origin of the suckers, of which from six to twelve will be 

 produced to each plant. Allow two or three of the best 

 of these to remain; slip off the others with a heel, from 

 which trim off the rough part smoothly, retaining the 

 fibrous roots. Keinove the large outside leaves, or their 

 exhalations will exhaust the plant before it gets rooted. 

 They are greatly invigorated if set in water three or four 

 hours before they are planted. Set them in rows, the 

 same distance as above, about four inches deep, in holes 

 made with a trowel; press a portion of fresh soil about 

 their roots and water freely. When this has settled away, 

 fill up to the surface with soil. Keep sun shades or 

 shingles upon the south side of them a few days, until 

 established, giving water, if needed, until they begin to 

 grow. 



The only other attention they require during the sum- 

 mer is the frequent use of the hoe. They will produce 

 heads the same year from June to October, and annually 

 thereafter from April to June or July, according to the 

 season. The quality is improved, though at the expense 

 of the quantity, by allowing only the head surmounting 

 the main stem to grow on each stalk, removing all the 

 laterals of the stem while young. As often as the head 

 is cut, the stem should be broken down close to the root, 

 to encourage the production of suckers before winter. 

 They should receive their winter dressing before the 

 ground freezes deeply. Cut away the old leaves without 

 injuring the center or side shoots, dig the ground over, 

 and throw the soil in a low, broad ridge over each row, 

 putting it close about the plants, but leaving the hearts 

 clear. As soon as the shoots appear four or five inches 

 above the surface, the ridges thrown up must be levelled 

 and the earth removed from about the stock to below the 



