Asparagus Culture in France. 235 



large plants, and of some only on the feeble ones ; the gathering may 

 last two months at most. In order to get fine asparagus, the heads 

 are to be gathered once every day, or every other day, or every 

 third day at farthest, according to the degree of temperature. This 

 is the way to obtain rosy, red, or violet asparagus. In order to get 

 it green it will be sufficient to let the heads grow during four or 

 five days more; they will lengthen and become green. The 

 second dressing is to be made as in the preceding years. The 

 stakes are to be put in as soon as the necessity is felt, and the stems, 

 having regard to the increase of their heiglit and weight, must be 

 firmly tied, so that the wind may not disturb them and that they 

 may not be broken. 



" In the month of October following, the dry stalks are to be cut 

 ofi^ at fourteen inches above the ground. The plantation is to 

 be cleared, and the ridges are to be replenished by adding to them 

 the earth of the knolls which have been raised on the plants for 

 the gathering. Then the manure is to be spread in the manner 

 already indicated ; and the digging up of the ridges is next to 

 take place. 



" Sixth Year. — When the asparagus plantation shall have reached 

 its sixth year, it will then be in full productiveness. The forming 

 of knolls is to take place in March during fine and dry weather ; 

 the knolls must always be fourteen inches high, reckoning from the 

 subterranean stock. 



" Nevertheless, the care to be taken is to be the same as in the 

 preceding )ears, particularly with regard to cleanliness and staking. 

 As for insects, they will be less to be feared than during the first 

 years of the establishment of the asparagus plantation. The beetles 

 can no longer lay their eggs on the stalks of the asparagus, since 

 they are cut during two months, and when allowed to start up the 

 time of the laying of eggs is past. 



" In the month of October the shelving beds are to be turned up 

 in conformity with the manner shown for the preceding year ; the 

 shelving beds and the plants are to be manured, as has been ex- 

 plained for the fourth year. As the asparagus plantation may last 



