94 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



[Feb. 



buds or eyes, will make tolerable sets • but preference should 

 be given to the cuttings of the crowns or tops, if a proper num- 

 ber can be procured ; observing that when intended to make a 

 fresh plantation, you should, during winter, when the plants are 

 taken up for use, reserve all the best off-sets for planting; 

 also the crowns of the main roots : but this latter is only prac- 

 ticable in private gardens ; for where the large roots are de- 

 signed for sale, their tops must not be taken off, which will 

 render them imsaleable in the market; therefore the market- 

 gardeners always reserve the strongest off-sets arising either 

 from the bottom, or emitted from the side of the main root. 



Being thus furnished with a proper number of sets, trench 

 the ground to the depth of two feet, and add a slight body of 

 manure ; plant the sets in with the spade or large dibble, rake 

 the surface smooth, and sow it with spinach, if such should be 

 wanted. As horse-radish is a coarse growing vegetable, and 

 not always easily kept clear of weeds, in consequence of its 

 roots running in all directions, which would be apt to be 

 injured by digging or hoeing, it would be adviseable to plant 

 it in some part of the slip, or outer parts of the garden, where 

 it may be seen as little as possible ; nevertheless, plant it in a 

 situation where it will not be under the shade of trees. 



In taking up these roots, it should be done regularly, not 

 taking up a stick or root here and there, as we often see done 

 in private gardens, but beginning at the first row, and pro- 

 ceeding from row to row, as it is wanted. 



THINNING THE CROPS OF WINTER LETTUCE. 



The crops of winter lettuce should now be thinned, and the 

 ground between the plants hoed and stirred ; this will greatly 

 encourage the growth of the plants. 



SOWING AND PLANTING LETTUCES. 



About the beginning or middle of this r-.onth, if the weather 

 be mild, sow several sorts of lettuce-seec on warm borders. 

 The white and green cos, and the Silesia and cabbage-lettuce, 

 are proper sorts ; also sow some of the imperial and brown 



