256 



CULINARY GARDENING, 



BOOK I. 



CHAPTER I. 



OF Til E CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL. 



Wit hout making any remarks on draining, clearing of in- 

 cumbrances, or any of the first improvements of the soil, I 

 proceed to pulverization, which in horticulture is per- 

 formed chiefly by the spade, with the occasional assistance of 

 the mattock. On the surface, it is performed by the hoe and 

 the rake, as in destroying weeds, or in stirring the earth 

 about the roots of young vegetables. Pulverization is also 

 much promoted by frost, as in ground laid up in ridges ; 

 and by the alternate effects of heat and rain, as in that 

 dug or trenched during the summer months. In manuring 

 garden grounds, composts are preferable, or at least pu- 

 trescent manure in the last stage of decomposition; when 

 rank or new, it never fails to give a peculiar and disagree- 

 able taste both to the roots and leaves of culinary vegetables. 

 This every one must have experienced in early potatoes, or 

 such as are raised on what are called lazybeds. It is to be re- 

 gretted for the sake of agriculture, that kitchen gardens re- 

 quire so large a proportion of manure. The scheme of culti- 



