230 Asparagus Culture in France. 



second trench, then the third entire shelving bed, and so on, until 

 the whole piece of ground has been occupied. Thus, the first 

 half-shelving bed will measure in width 14 inches, and in height 

 8 inches j the first 'ground' or trench in width 24 inches, the 

 second entire shelving bed in width 28 inches, and in height 14 

 inches, &c. (See the preceding diagram.) 



" The earth of the shelving beds being intended to cover over the 

 plants from time to time, these beds will gradually diminish in 

 height, and the whole piece of ground will become nearly level at 

 the end of five years, when the asparagus plantation will be in full 

 productiveness." 



[In justice to the extensive market grower and successful prize- 

 taker who thus describes his culture, 

 we are bound to respect his dia- 

 gram j but a readier and less pre- 

 s , cise method is more generally pur- 



FlG 7I '/ sued, such as that indicated by Fig. 71, 



roughly drawn from memory.] 

 "First Year. The first plantation is to take place during the 

 months of March or April, and should be performed in the follow- 

 ing manner : 



" In each trench, through its entire length, small holes, eight 

 inches in diameter and about four inches deep, must be formed 

 about thirty-six inches distant from each other. In the centre of 

 each of them a small hillock of earth about two inches high is to 

 be raised, upon which the asparagus plant is to be laid down, care 

 being taken to divide the roots equally in every direction ; the roots 

 are then to be covered over with half an inch of earth j and one or 

 two handfuls of very good manure are to be added, and covered 

 over with about an inch and a half of earth, at the same time 

 forming a small hollow of about an inch deep over each plant, to 

 indicate its position. In order properly to know the position of the 

 plants, and to shelter them and their shoots from accidents, a small 

 stake is to be set to each, inclining it at an angle of 45, in order 

 not to injure the roots, and placing it a little away from the plant. 



