362 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. INo. 12 



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v ^ ing of winter cabbage, or brocoli. Early crops of turnips, carrots, i 



fand beet, will be removed in time to admit of a planting of late 

 dwarf beans ; many modifications and resources will present them- 

 selves in practice. Perhaps the most economical method, especially 

 where ground is limited, is to grow several crops at the same time; 

 for instance, peas may be sown in March, in rows six feet apar; — in 

 May a row of melons may be planted in the space between the peas, 

 the shade afforded by the peas will be beneficial to the young melon 

 plants — or between the peas, a row of bush beans may be planted — 

 when the pea crop is gathered, the space it occupied may be planted 

 with purple brocoli; and the beans succeeded by a late crop of turnips. 

 It would be easy to multiply examples, but it is not necessary, as 

 those who are inclined, and will exercise due foresight, will find room 

 for many expedients. Much can he produced on a small scale by 

 adopting this method, and it affords great facilities for sheltering 

 young and tender crops, by those more matured and of robust growth. 

 It may, however, be remarked, that although most plants are bene- 

 fitted by a little shade and shelteF when young and delicate, it is 

 highly injurious to their healthy development if continued. 



Solanum Tuberosum. 



CULTIVATION OF THE MUSHROOM. 



The following brief notes have been prepared for the readers of the 

 "Florist." If you deem them suitable, they are at your service. 



Formation of the Bed. — Collect a quantity of fresh horse droppings 

 from the stable where oats are fed to them ; shake out or separate the 

 droppings from the straw, after which fermentation will commence; 

 they should then be spread out under an open shed or some such place, 

 to the depth of a foot ; then collect a fourth part of cow droppings from 

 an old pasture which may be half dry ; spread them regularly over the 

 hors j droppings, and keep turning the whole every alternate day un- 

 til the excessive heat subsides or is exhausted, which may be a week 

 or ten days, according to the state of the atmosphere. Select a warm 

 cellar or stable, or if there is space under the greenhouse stage it will 

 suit, if it can be preserved from drops falling from the stage. In Eng- 

 land they are grown on shelves placed in the stable or in sheds erected 

 for the purpose in the stable ; no other heat is applied except that im- 

 parted by the horses' breath. The bed should be constructed two 

 feet in depth by making a box, varying in width and length accord- 

 ing to the taste or judgment of the grower; introduce the droppings, 

 V making them as solid as possible by beating and treading to a depth of 

 Qp 16 or 18 inches; after which a renewed and violent heat is in some 

 f\ instances generated ; in such case I use a stake or garden dibble, which G 



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