1909.] The Cultivation of Watercress. 829 



one foot, but varying according to the depth of the water. 

 Many growers use some of the smaller streams, and particu- 

 larly those which are somewhat isolated from the principal 

 beds, for the purpose of growing stocks for planting; they 

 maintain that by adopting this practice they are able to obtain 

 plants of a more robust constitution and cleaner than those 

 from old beds. The green or summer variety of cress is 

 usually self-seeded ; or seed that has been saved is simply 

 broadcasted in the mud. 



Cutting Watercress. 



Replanting. — The beds should be thoroughly cleaned out 

 and replanted each season. This operation is a considerable 

 item in the cost of cultivation, as all the spent soil, mud, &c, 

 together with the roots, should be removed, and the bed 

 thoroughly flushed with fresh water before replanting is com- 

 menced. Like other cultivated plants, cress requires good 

 wholesome soil, which should be well aerated and exposed 

 to the sun in preparation. 



Some growers prefer to plant the bed by laying the young 

 plants in rows across the bed, pressing the cut ends into the 

 soil or fixing them in position by means of stones. When 

 the whole work is completed the water is admitted very 

 gradually so as not to displace any of the plants. The more 



