HOCKINGS' GARDEN MANUAL. 



29 



extreme ends of the roots maybe removed, to increase 

 the tendency to form lateral roots. The small varie- 

 ties may be planted two feet apart each way, and 

 the large sorts three feet ; in poor soil they may 

 stand closer. If the plants are at all infected with 

 the blight, dip them carefully in a weak solution of 

 Gishurst Compound. In transplanting in dry weather, 

 holes should be made with the dibble where the plants 

 are to stand, and abundance of water poured in ; in a 

 few minutes they will be ready to receive the plants 

 by sinking the setting stick in the centre of each hole 

 to open it a second time ; then let the plants be put in, 

 closing the earth well at the bottom of the roots. 



Culture : Digging between the growing crops will 

 be of great advantage, especially if the ground has 

 got hardened by excessive rain. In seasons of drought 

 the ground should not only be kept open, but mulching 

 and liquid manure should be resorted to. Lime is a 

 good special manure. 



CHILLI and CAPSICUMS. 



Under this head we will include the several sorts 

 of chilli and capsicum. They are all hardy in the 

 vicinity of Brisbane, and can be sown in the open 

 border in September, slightly protecting the bed from 

 sun and wind until the plants are well up. When 

 strong enough to transplant, remove them to where 

 they are to stand, in a rich, warm bed, at three feet 

 apart. Shade them with a branch placed over them 

 at the sunny side until established. 



CARDOON. 



The Spanish variety is considered the best, from 

 the size and succulency of the midribs of its leaves, 

 The soil suitable for the cardoon is a light deep loam, 



