GENERAL TREATMENT 87 



and so spoil the quality. Some growers make this mis- 

 take of over-feeding when size alone is aimed at, but 

 the quality is spoiled thereby, for although celery will 

 take a good deal of manure, discretion must be used. I 

 have often seen this mistake made by amateurs who grow 

 for exhibition, and think that all depends on the quantity 

 of manure used. When the celery is brought to the 

 exhibition table and cut through, a coarse spongy growth 

 is all that remains. It must be understood, however, 

 that I advocate generous treatment, but the difference 

 between this and over-feeding is much the same as in 

 rearing pork. 



Earthing up. — This must always be done on dry days, 

 but previous to the first real earthing a thorough water- 

 ing should be given, in fact a soaking if possible. A 

 sprinkling of soot if available should follow, in order to 

 prevent worms crawling up the plants. On the next day 

 the earthing can be done. The plants must be examined 

 and all suckers removed. I am assuming that the plants 

 are very far advanced in growth, and that the several 

 little lots of earth have been applied after each water- 

 ing, so that the trenches will be level or nearly level 

 with the surrounding soil. 



On the morning of earthing, break down sufficient soil, 

 and make fairly fine, so that all will be ready when 

 the earthing up is done. Two people at least should 

 perform this operation, and if three can be spared so 

 much the better. Many people tie up the plants with 

 matting, and some put a paper band around them before 

 earthing. I need not say that where a large quantity is 

 grown for market or otherwise such is impracticable. 

 Moreover, if the work be properly done, it is not neces- 

 sary. The leaves should be gathered up and the soil 

 carefully packed between the plants, not a particle being 

 allowed to enter the heart, or even between the stalks. 

 Do not bank up too high, but keep the hearts well above 



