CELERY. 



47 



they may be planted into the trenches, at the distance of four 

 or five inches apart : after which, give the whole a good soak- 

 ing of water, and shade from the sun for a few days. Their 

 after-culture, is to stir the soil frequently, with a small hoe, 

 and giving a copious supply of water in continued dry weather. 

 About the middle of August, or first of September, tie the 

 leaves together, or hold them tight with one hand, while with 

 the other the earth is carefully drawn up round the stems, but 

 not so high as to allow the earth to get into the centre of the 

 plant, which causes it to rot or rust. The soil for this purpose 

 has to be broken, and well pulverized with the spade. If the 

 weather be dry and hot, Celery should not be earthed up so 

 early : in such case, a row for early use may be blanched, by 

 placing a board on each side, and throwing the earth along the 

 bottom edge of the board, to prevent the air from getting under. 

 By this means it can be very well blanched, and ready for the 

 table by the middle of September. I am aware that writers 

 on the subject say, - earth it up every few days as it continues 

 to grow:" but with such a practice in warm weather, it will not 

 grow long, but rot off and decay. About the first of October, 

 earthing up may proceed without injury ; but let it be done 

 firmly and evenly, and in a sloping direction, from the base to 

 nearly the top of the leaves. In that state, it will remain sound 

 for a long time. If continued frost be apprehended, dry litter 

 should be spread over the plants, and a quantity lifted and laid 

 in a bed of sand or earth in the vegetable cellar, in which it 

 will keep fresh for several weeks. 



When planting, it is a very convenient method to mix both 

 Red and White together : you will thus obtain both sorts in use, 

 from the opening of one trench. Large fields of Celery can be 

 pretty successfully cultivated with the plough, for supplying 

 the market. It is a crop that generally makes a good returp 

 to the grower. 



