320 GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



of the heat generated by the closely packed mass of 

 celery, and in consequence it to some extent " heats," and 

 decay takes place. Covered up in this manner, it can be 

 got out with ease, during the coldest weather in winter, 

 and with perfect safety. These dates of operations, like 

 all others named throughout, are for this latitude; the 

 cultivator must use his judgment carefully in this matter 

 to suit the section in which he is located. 



To Save Seed. — Leave some plants where grown; in the 

 latter part of February take them carefully, cut off the 

 outside leaves, and remove the side shoots, and plaut 

 them out in moist soil, one foot apart. Select those which 

 are solid and of middling size. Tie the seed-stalks to 

 stakes, to preserve them from being broken off by violent 

 winds. After the flowers open, w T hile the seed is swelling, 

 if dry weather occurs, water at least every other night. 

 When the seed is dry, it may be rubbed out and stored in 

 a dry place. They will keep good four years. 



Use. — Celery has some little nutriment, but is culti- 

 vated chiefly as a luxury. The sweet, crisp stalks, used 

 raw, with a little salt, form a most grateful salad. It is 

 also used as a seasoning, and is a great improvement to 

 soups and gravies. A few plants for this purpose are as 

 necessary and wholesome as onions. The unblanched 

 leaves and seeds are sometimes employed in flavoring. 



Marketing. — The celery must be placed on the market 

 in a crisp and clean condition, free from all " stringiness," 

 if good prices are desired. There seems to be no reason 

 why this excellent vegetable should not be so successfully 

 cultivated in the South as to compete with that grown at 

 Kalamazoo. Soil, climate and other conditions are cer- 

 tainly favorable, and there is the additional advantage 

 over the Northern grower in the earliness of the Southern 

 crop, thus permitting the truckers in the South to place 

 their crop on the market several days ahead of those in 



