HOCKINGS' GARDEN MANUAL. 



159 



at work, as the stirring of the soil stimulates the growth 

 of the crop ; after rain it is very important. In older 

 plantations the soil is covered with thrash, and the 

 surface is kept continually light and open. The plant- 

 ing should not be less than twelve inches deep, or the 

 crop might be destroyed in a season of drought or by 

 a gale. The ribbon cane is said to require one or two 

 feet more space than other sorts, in consequence of its 

 lateral growth after the first season. 



Some growers recommend the canes being planted 

 closer than is here directed. If such a course be 

 adopted, extra vigilance will be required in keeping the 

 canes well trashed, by constantly stripping off all dead 

 leaves. 



Planting may be performed during August, Sep- 

 tember, October, and November. When deferred to 

 a later period, the shoots have not time to make much 

 growth before the cold nights check them ; but they 

 form a number of buds and a mass of roots, which 

 enable the plants to push out vigorously early the fol- 

 io win £• season. 



The plantation should be manured every year, 

 and the surface broken up with the light plough or 

 cultivator. 



LIQUORICE— (Glycyrrhiza Glabra). 



From the roots of this plant the w^ell-known liquorice 

 of commerce is prepared. The roots extend a consi- 

 derable distance, and send up strong herbaceous stems 

 four feet to five feet high. It thrives in a rich light 

 soil, at least thirty inches to three feet deep, trenched 

 the full depth and manured. The situation should be 

 open, and the soil must be rich. 



Planting : In July or August take the horizontal 

 roots which run from the crown along the surface of 

 the ground, and cut them into lengths of six inches ; 

 lay these, eighteen inches asunder, along trenches two 



