360 Method of forcing Asparagiis 



pieces (see Vol. II. p. 365.), each from 3 to 5 in. long, and 

 planted as sea-kale is usually done. As the summer approached 

 I found a more ample supply, very few having failed. To- 

 wards winter, the plants were as strong as could be wished 

 for, and underwent the various processes of forcing, &c. 



I have been guided, as to the time of making the new plant- 

 ations, by the state of the old, taking the roots from those 

 which had done producing, and a few plants afford cuttings 

 sufficient for use. The months of March or April answer 

 equally well. 



I have for only one season since omitted following the plan 

 which accident thus pointed out to me, and I certainly con- 

 sider it the best mode of cultivating this excellent vegetable, 

 besides keeping off the disagreeable appearance of the beds 

 when the plants partially fail. The produce is abundant, and, 

 coming from the young plant, is of a superior quality, and more 

 delicate in flavour. Yours, &c. 



F. Forbes. 

 Winhfield Place ^ Windsor Forest, July 4:. 1828. 



Art. XXII. Method of forcing Asparagus in the open Ground, 

 in permanent Beds. By Mr. David Spiers. 



.. Sir, 



I BEG to send you an account of an easy and successful 

 method of forcing asparagus, which, as it has many advan- 

 tages over the common way of obtaining that favourite vege- 

 table in the winter months, deserves to be genei'ally known. 

 The beds, in width 4 ft. 8 in., and bounded on the sides by 

 pigeon-holed bi'ickwork 2 ft. deep, should lie east and west, 

 in order that the frames may face the south. A bed of 60 ft. 

 in length will require three frames of 15 ft. in length each, and 

 4 ft. 6 in. wide. The compost for the bed must consist of one 

 half sandy loam, one fourth bog or good vegetable mould, and 

 one fourth good rotten dung, all well mixed together. With 

 this fill the bed, so that, when settled down, it may be a little 

 higher than the brickwork. The side trenches should be 

 2 ft. wide and 2 ft. deep ; these are intended to receive the 

 linings. Along the middle of each trench a drain should be 

 made of common draining- tiles, to keep the linings free from 

 water. The bed will hold four rows of plants, 1 1 in. distant 

 from each other and from the sides of the bed. Strong one- 

 year-old plants should be preferred, and planted in the month 

 of April. The plants should be allowed three years to esta- 



