1072 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



These will be dealt with in the Chapter "On Pests Generally," 

 as they are practically omnivorous. 



Radishes. 



Very early Radishes are obtained by sowing seed on a 

 gentle hot-bed early in January, keeping the frame closed until 

 the seed has germinated, and then admitting air with judgment 

 on all favourable occasions, so as not to get the plants 

 unduly drawn. The seed should not be sown too thickly for 

 the same reason, otherwise the plants will be more conspicuous 

 for their foliage than for their roots. From the middle of March 

 sowings may be made every fortnight onwards, using very little 

 seed each time, and protecting the same from birds, which are 

 very partial to them. Rich soil and a nice, open sunny position 

 are suitable for this salad, and the quicker the Radishes can be 

 grown, the better and tenderer they are. Vilmorin and Co., 

 Paris, have introduced a fine strain for frames ; one of these is 

 named Leafless, and, though it has very small foliage, it may be 

 sown thickly and is very good. The same firm's Extra Early 

 Forcing is also an acquisition. Other good varieties for frames 

 or outside are French Breakfast, Long Scarlet, or the Turnip 

 Radishes. 



Rhubarb. 



Owing to the untidy appearance presented by the foliage 

 of Rhubarb during some portions of the year, it should be 

 grown in a part of the garden where it will not be an eyesore, 

 but will yet be fully exposed to sun and light. In preparing 

 a site for a new plantation the ground should be dug to a depth 

 of 3ft., and heavily manured during the winter. Planting 

 should be done at the end of February or early in March, 

 allowing a distance of 4ft. between each stool, and giving 

 a mulch of strawy manure immediately afterwards to conserve 

 moisture. Rhubarb may also be raised from seed sown early in 

 March, thinning out the plants to the distance named above. 

 These seedlings will make good plants for forcing in two years. 

 By taking up roots, or clumps, in November with a good ball of 

 earth attached, and placing them in a ]\Iushroom-house or other 

 warm, dark, moist structure, a plentiful supply of tender "sticks," 

 or more properly, " stems," will be produced for Christmas and 

 the New Year. Champagne, Monarch, and Victoria are three 

 favourite varieties that succeed on all soils. 



Salsafy and Scorzonera. 



As the culture of both the above is similar, they are dealt 

 with together, and in many establishments they are used 

 together. The seed is best sown early in April in drills i5in. 

 apart, on soil that has been deeply worked and well manured 



