MARktSOM'S i^tJRS^RlE^, BBRtlN, MI). 



^5 



ASPARAGUS. 



Asparagus is equal to a dish of early green peas. It makes a better dish when cooked (like 

 peas) in cream, thickened with a little flour. The first vegetable of the spring. It is usually 

 planted on a light soil to have it early, though it can be grown in good garden soil. The net in- 

 come is usually from $100 to $4:LiO per acre. When once set it is good for 15 or 20 years. In pre- 

 paring asparagus for market, cut 4 or 5 

 inches under the ground, when from 2 to 4 

 inches high. When planting asparagus 

 roots set 4 to 6 inches deep, and about 12 

 inches apart in the row, covering with only 

 3 inches of soil at first, and fllling in the 

 trenches as the plants grow. 



The asparagus bed is apt to be neg- 

 lected in the early fall. Before the 1st of 

 September the tops should be cut and the 

 bed or field cleared of weeds. It is highly 

 important that all the seed should be taken 

 off, as the greatest enemy the asparagus 

 has in the way of weeds is asparagus, and 

 it is almost impossible to get clear of su- 

 perfluous plants, when once established. 

 When this work is finished, cover the bed 

 to the depth of 3 inches with coarse ma- 

 nure, which will not only enrich the soil, 

 but will keep out the frost, which is highly 

 essential. 



The first work in spring should be to 

 remove all the covering except the fine 

 manure, which should be carefully forked 

 in, so that the crowns will not be injured 

 by the tines of the fork. Forking the beds 

 should not be neglected, as the early ad- 

 mission of the sun and rain into the ground 

 induces the plants to throw up shoots of 

 superior size. Another step in the right 

 direction is to keep the ground entirely 

 free from weeds the entire season, as these 

 take from the plants the strength required 

 for their own growth, and the asparagus 

 needs it all. 



Although there is a difference of opinion as to the benefit of salt on asparagus, most of 

 the best growers on Long Island cover their beds with salt as soon as the ground is cleared and 

 the manure forked in in the spring, to a depth of half an inch in some cases. Although that 

 much may not be required, it certainly does no harm, but an application of salt so that the 

 ground appears as if covered with snow is considered by many an absolute necessity if the best 

 results are to be expected. 



VARIETIES. 



DOXALD'S EL,MIRA— This new asparagus has attracted much attention through New 

 York State, were it was originated by Mr. A. Donald, a prominent market gardener of Elmira. 

 He has always realized handsome prices, and although a large grower, was unable to supply 

 half the demand. The delicate green color is noticeable, different from either the famous Barr's 

 Philadelphia Mammoth or Palmetto, while the stocks are more tender and succulent. Its 

 mammoth size can be realized from the fact that in whole crops of bunches of twelve stalks 

 will average four pounds in weight. It requires much less labor in cutting and bunching, thus 

 lessening the expense of marketing. Strong 1-year roots 50c. per dozen by mail; $1.00 per 100 by 

 express; $4.00 per 1000. 2-year roots 75c. per dozen by mail; $1.00 per hundred by express; $5.00 

 per 1000. 



COLUMBIAN MAMMOTH TTHITE— It produces shoots which are white, and remain 

 so as long as fit for use. In addition to the marvelous advantage of its white color, the Colum- 

 bian Mammoth White Asparagus is even more robust and vigorous in habit, and throws larger 

 shoots and fully as many of them as the Conover's Colossal Market gardeners, growers for 

 canners, and amateurs should give this great acquisition a thorough trial. Price, 1 dozen by 

 mail for 50c.; 50 tor $1.00; 100 for $1.50; 1000 for $4.00. 1-year and 2-year roots, $5.00 per 1000. 



PALMETTO— Of Southern origin, a variety of excellent quality. Early, very large, very 

 prolific, and all who have used it pronounce it ahead of any other. Strong 1-year roots, 40c. per 

 dozen by mail; 50c. per 100 by express; $3.00 per 1000. 2-year roots, 50c. per dozen by mail; 75c. per 

 100 by express; $4.00 per 1000. 



15ARR— Early and large, and when placed on the market its appearance makes a demand 

 for it, while others are at a drag. 1-year roots 40c. per dozen by mail; T5c. per 100 by express; 

 $3.00 per 1000 for 1-year, and 2-year $3.50. 



CONOVER— Very large and makes rapid growths, planted mostly by market gardeners. 

 Can be cut quite frequently, and brings highest price. 1-year roots 35c. per dozen by mail; 50c. 

 per 100 by express; $2.50 per 1000. 2-year roots 40c. per dozen by mail; 76c. per 100 by express; 

 $3.50 per 1000. 



