50 On the Cultivation of the Polianthes Tuberosa. 



North America, as well as Italy. There is no necessity, how- 

 ever, to be indebted to foreign countries for this supply, and 

 I can speak from experience, having cultivated it in the open 

 air for many years at Chapel Allerton, notwithstanding the 

 average temperature of that hill from the month of April to 

 October is far lower than in the adjacent valley. If a sufficient 

 degree of heat in summer can only be obtained to bring the 

 leaves out to their full magnitude, that of the roots follows of 

 course, and very little more care than what is bestowed upon 

 the Artichoke, will preserve them from the severest frosts. 



For this purpose, select a piece of ground perfectly well 

 drained, either under a south wall, or defended on the 

 north by a reed hedge. The size of the bed must be pro- 

 portioned to the number of roots wanted, for the same 

 bulb never blows a second time ; the lateral ones, which 

 are produced in great abundance, supplying the new 

 stock. As the roots must be at five inches distance from 

 each other, a bed nine feet long by three feet wide, will hold 

 144. The soil which I have found them succeed best in, is 

 light sandy earth, mixed with a third part of very rotten cow 

 dung ; the earth should be taken about seven or eight inches 

 deep, along with the green turf, chopping it very small with 

 the spade, and turning it once a month for a year before it is 

 used ; if the earth is not very light, add a quantity of sea 

 sand, or fine shelly gravel. If you are obliged to use this 

 compost sooner, pass it through a wide screen, casting out 

 nothing but any large stones. About the middle of April 

 prepare the bed as follows : first, take out all the old earth, 

 to the depth of two feet and a half, or three feet, filling it 

 nearly to the top with fresh stable dung, that has been cast 



