AND VEGETABLE-GARDEN MANUAL. 137 
SKIRRET. 
The seed should be sown very early in the spring, in drills a 
quarter of an inch deep, and twelve inches apart. It is also pro- 
pagated by offsets, taken from the old roots,\and planted very early 
in the spring, before they begin to shoot. When the leaves begin 
to decay, in autumn, the roots are fit for use, and continue so until 
they commence sprouting in the spring. 
SORREL. 
Used as salad. Sow the seed the middle of spring, in shallow 
drills, and thin the plants to twelve inches apart. 
SPINACH, OR SPINAGE. 
1. Round Savoy-leaved. 2. Prickly Seed. 
Spinach requires a richer soil than almost any other culinary 
vegetable to bring it to perfection, as it has to yield frequent cut- 
tings, and therefore requires a frequent developement of parts, 
which cannot be expected without an abundance of food. The 
seed may be sown broadcast, or in drills one foot apart. For 
spring and early summer use, sow as early as the ground can be 
worked. For the autumn supply, sow the close of summer. For 
winter and-early spring use, sow the middle of autumn. The lat- 
ter sowing will need protection on the arrival of cold weather, and 
should have a light covering of straw, or long manure, during 
winter. When the autumnal sowings are made during hot, dry 
weather, the seed is difficult to vegetate. No. 2 is the most hardy 
and well adapted for autumn sowing. Both produce thick succu- 
lent leaves of large size. The ground cannot be too rich for Spin- 
ach. The stronger it is, the more succulent will be the leaves, 
and, of course, the more delicate and tender. Careful weeding 
