1906.] 



The Cultivation of Asparagus. 



157 



When several days must elapse before they are unpacked, 

 a reddish colour is inevitable : this part can be peeled off and 

 when boiled the flavour is not impaired. 



The Forcing of Asparagus. — Asparagus can be forced very 

 easily, the results varying according to the state of the beds. 

 Beds which produced thick stalks in the previous year are 

 likely to continue to do so. A commencement may be made 

 in November, fresh beds being started at intervals of three 

 weeks, and in this way a constant supply can be ensured all 

 through the winter. Eight days before commencing cutting 

 the necessary horse dung must be placed in heaps, in order 

 to keep it sufficiently warm. The plan followed is to have a 

 stock of frames as broad as the beds, 7 to 8 in. high and 

 about 2| to 3 ft. long, with a supply of boards with which 

 to cover them. The soil surrounding these frames must be 

 removed to the depth of 10 in., and replaced with manure which 

 must be stamped down. Should there be intense cold or a fall 

 of snow, one can throw leaf mould over to prevent a too 

 sudden change of temperature. The stalks begin to appear in 

 about a fortnight. As an even temperature is preserved in 

 the frames, the plants continue to develop for a space of four 

 wrecks, during which time a good supply may be counted on. 

 Near Brunswick, asparagus has been forced for some years in 

 log huts closely constructed with double walls so as to retain 

 the heat. These huts are movable on wheels. Along the paths 

 which separate the huts hot-water pipes are laid, so that ample 

 warmth is ensured. 



Diseases, — The diseases to which asparagus is subject usually 

 proceed from an irregular development due to sudden changes 

 of temperature or unusual climatic vicissitudes, against which 

 one cannot always make provision. An early hard frost is 

 most injurious, as it destroys the cells so that they cannot 

 discharge their functions properly, and causes premature decay 

 before the nutritive qualities are imparted to the root stock. A 

 similar cause of damage are the fungi so prevalent in dry seasons, 

 which prove very destructive in the case of undeveloped plants. 

 The first signs of the approach of this disease are reddish spots 

 on the stalks which gradually extend to a great size. A con- 

 tinuance of this disease for several seasons weakens the plants 



