46 



HOCKINGS' GARDEN MANUAL. 



vessel, and is generally fit to gather about May. The 

 plant thrives in good, rich soil, not too wet, and 

 requires a free exposure. 



RADISH. 



Sow occasionally throughout the year. In the 

 spring small sowings may be made fortnightly. A 

 light, rich, garden soil is suitable for them. If sown 

 broadcast, the seed should be covered evenly about 

 half an inch deep with soil, and the plants thinned 

 out to about four inches apart. If sown in drills they 

 should be six inches apart. The seed may be sown a 

 little deeper in summer than during winter, and in dry 

 weather give the bed a good soaking of water when 

 required, as the plants should be grown quickly, and 

 used young. 



RHUBARB. 



The Myatt's Victoria is much esteemed for size and 

 quality, Prince Albert for hardiness. 



In August prepare a piece of deep, rich soil, and 

 sow the seeds in drills eighteen inches apart and one 

 inch deep. When the plants are well up, thin them 

 out to one foot apart. As they are tender in this 

 climate, they must be kept clear of weeds, and have 

 sufficient water during the dry weather, or they will 

 die off. In June following, let a bed of similar soil 

 be dug deep and manured. It should be in a moist, 

 shady situation, and quite free from stagnant water 

 in the soil. Plant the roots two feet apart each way, 

 with the crowns about two inches below the surface. 

 Water occasionally, while growing, with a weak solu- 

 tion of guano, liquid manure, or soapsuds. Cut the 

 flower stems as they appear, which, if they do the 

 first year, it is a sign that the ground is not rich or 



