Irrigation of Asparagus. 9S5 



however, " A Denbighshire Gardener " is correct as to the fact 

 (and there is no reason to suppose the contrary), it may be 

 supposed that the depredators are migratory (no uncommon 

 thing), and his account does not, therefore, militate against 

 the popular history of the disease. It is to be hoped he will 

 continue his observations on this curious circumstance, and 

 endeavour to detect the perfect insect, which he may do, by 

 placing a small part of the stem containing the worm under a 

 wine glass, and watching its transformation. 



Art. XX. Asparagus improved by Irrigation. 

 By Mr. W. T. Foster. 



Sir, 



Writers on the cultivation of asparagus generally recom- 

 mend a dry sloping situation : but I have now to inform you, 

 that I succeed best with it in circumstances quite the reverse. 



I have three beds 60 yards long, four rows in each bed. 

 These were laid down three years ago with seed. From the 

 1st of October to the middle of February, the beds were this 

 last season, except about 4 rods, completely flooded to the 

 depth of from 6 to 12 inches. When the water went off in 

 the latter end of February, I ordered the beds to be forked 

 over, with the intention of drying the ground, and getting the 

 roots into health ; but the shoots were appearing on every 

 part; and on the 4th of March I cut 400 of good quality, and 

 continued to cut 100 per day ever since. Even the last frosts 

 did not stop it : but, at such times, I took the precaution of 

 covering such shoots as rose during the day by small flower- 

 pots in the evening. 



I cannot help thinking that the cultivation of this favourite 

 vegetable may be improved by intentional flooding, especially 

 where the situation will allow of it. I am the more confirmed 

 in this idea from an early impression I had during my appren- 

 ticeship ; for, where I passed that period of servitude, our aspa- 

 ragus beds were extensive and in single rows ; the beds were 

 covered from the alleys every autumn, leaving the latter pretty 

 deep, and these stood full of water all winter. It is evident, 

 therefore, that asparagus is not easily injured by water. 

 Should these observations be of service to any of my brother 

 gardeners, or worthy of a place in your pages, I shall feel 

 gratified in having communicated them. 



I am, Sir, &c. 

 Winchester, April 2^. \%2S, W.T.Foster. 



