146 On forcing Asparagus, 



plentiful crop of fine fruit is obtained the same season. I beg 

 to state that this is the best method to manage all wall fruits, 

 with some variation in the chambering. For peaches, nectarines, 

 apricots, plums, and grape vines in forcing-houses, it exceeds 

 every other method, and the less animal manure is used for all 

 these the better. J. M. 



Welbeck Gardens, Jan. 17. 1834. 



Art. XIV. On forcing Asparagus ; by Mr. T. Rutger: 'with an 

 Account of the French Method, translated from the " Bon Jar- 

 dinier" for 1834. 



Sir, 



In the routine of framing, I conceive the forcing of asparagus 

 to be one of the most simple practices to accomplish ; and, when 

 any thing like a proper treatment is given, success is certain. 

 Nevertheless, as that treatment is not generally known, a few 

 hints upon the subject may, perhaps, not be amiss. 



In every department of forcing (blanching excepted), the 

 nearer we can bring the article forced to the state of perfection 

 which it exhibits in the natural state, the better. This, I think, 

 will be conceded by every one conversant with gardening ; and 

 the consequences which will naturally follow the adoption of 

 such a rule are, that a higher degree of flavour will be obtained, 

 as well as a more natural appearance in the article, whatever it 

 may be. 



With regard to the asparagus which is brought to Covent 

 Garden Market during the forcing season, I have observed most 

 of it to be nearly as white in the part grown above ground as in 

 that below ; which is no doubt occasioned either by excess 

 of bottom heat, or for want of light and air, or both combined. 

 A sad mistake this in the cultivators, whoever they may be. 

 Defects may be excusable in some kinds of fruits or vegetables, 

 which are very difficult of culture; but, in growing asparagus, I 

 conceive there is no reason why any difficulty should exist; nor 

 will it argue any thing in favour of the practice, to attribute it to 

 the desire of bringing the shoots earlier into the market, as, by 

 planting the roots a fortnight or three weeks sooner, this might 

 be accomplished. The fact is (and I write from experience), 

 that, in growing asparagus in artificial heat, the slower the pro- 

 cess the better. The heat below should be very moderate, and, 

 as soon as the buds appear above ground, all the light and air 

 that can be given with safety should be freely rendered ; and by 

 this means the asparagus, instead of presenting the blanched 

 appearance which it often does, would not only assume more of 



