THE BRUNSWICK METHOD OF ASPARAGUS CULTURE. 443 
boxes or Seakale pots over the plants, and filling them entirely 
with earth. The boxes or pots should, of course, be removed 
when " grass " is cut; one great advantage of this method is 
that the Asparagus may be forced where it grows, without 
destroying the roots. No doubt certain advantages belong to 
each method of culture ; the experimentalist should try all. 
The Argenteuil growers produce edible Asparagus nearly all the 
year round, although during part of the time it is very small, 
what we in England call Sprue grass." 
Then as to cutting or gathering. The cutter must be very 
careful, or he will spoil many of the young heads. A kind of 
knife called an Asparagus knife is the best, having teeth like a 
saw, particular attention being given so as not to injure the 
young growing buds. The heads are best when about two inches 
above ground ; if gathered before then you lose, in consequence 
of the buds not being fully developed. 
The enemies of Asparagus are comparatively few— viz. 
Asparagus Beetle, Cockchafer grubs, and a few others. 
As to marketing, package, and carriage, that must be left to 
the grower to use his own judgment and discretion in the dis- 
posal of the produce. 
THE BRUNSWICK METHOD OF ASPARAGUS 
CULTURE. 
Communicated by Mrs. Johnston, F.R.H.S. 
Seed should be carefully selected from plants grown for the 
purpose on a well-manured, light soil, and thinned out so as to 
form strong stools. 
A sandy, loamy soil is the best for growing Asparagus, but 
any soil can be used where expense is no object, and a sufficient 
mixture of sand and manure is added. On a heavy clay soil, 
how^ever, the crop will be later, and where grown for profit will 
not pay so well. 
A light upper soil allows the stalks to penetrate easily, and a 
loamy subsoil is most nourishing for the roots ; but Asparagus 
H 2 
