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JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the tine particles, and half-decayed leaves, chopped up roughly, used in 

 equal quantities. Frequent top- dressings of a similar compost are 

 beneficial. The temperature should never be allowed to fall below 60° in 

 the coldest weather, and a bottom heat of 65° should be maintained. A 

 good selection of ' Rollison's Telegraph ' is still one of the best for winter 

 crops, and there are numerous varieties which succeed well in the 

 rammer. 



Endive (Cichorium Endivia). — This is useful for salads during the 

 summer and autumn, for which purpose it should be sown in June, and 

 afterwards blanched by covering. ' Round-leaved Batavian ' and ' Green 

 Curled ' are good varieties. 



Herbs. — Various kinds, including Basil, Borage, Fennel, Hyssop, 

 Lavender. Marjoram, Rosemary, Chamomile, Chives, Mint, Pennyroyal, 

 Sage, Sorrel, Tarragon, Thyme, Parsley, and Savory are required ; time 

 and space forbid these being mentioned here at greater length. They are 

 for the most part perennials and shrubs, of easy culture, and should be 

 planted out in an orderly and decent manner. 



Horse-radish (Cochlearia Armoracw). — This vegetable pays for good 

 cultivation where a large quantity is required. The ground should be 

 trenched deeply, and have a liberal supply of manure, before planting* 

 and afterwards must be kept clear of weeds. 



Kale (Brass ica oleracea fimbriata). — Few vegetables are so hardy as 

 the 'Scotch' or 'Curled Kale,' and it is of much better flavour than 

 many of the things used for "greens " in the spring. 1 Asparagus Kale ' 

 is also of excellent quality, but I have had to discontinue its culture 

 owing to persistent attacks of fungus in early spring, which destroyed the 

 full-grown plants. 1 Cottager's Kale ' is a well-known and hardy variety 

 which does not fail in the severest winter. All of these are sown about 

 the middle of April, and come into use in the following March, continuing 

 only a few weeks. 



Leeks (Allium Porrum). — A very useful vegetable for autumn, winter, 

 and early spring. Its cultivation has improved considerably during recent 

 years. For Midland and Northern districts, the seed should be sown 

 under glass in January, and the plants grown in pots for a time, until the 

 weather is fit to plant them outside. ' Ayton Castle Giant ' and ' The 

 Lyon ' are both good forms. 



Lettuces (Lactuca sativa). — With care and attention it is quite possible 

 to have Lettuces all through the year if proper facilities are given for their 

 cult ire. In regard to structures for winter cultivation, nothing more 

 ambitious than an ordinary garden frame is required. But here I must 

 ' -l 1 thi fad that Lettuces arc very capricious things during the 

 dark cold days of winter; no matter how careful the grower is, there are 

 sure to be many deaths among the plants, especially if the soil is naturally 

 cold and damp. I think that most people will agree that the old ' Brown,' 

 or ' Bath Cos,' is the best variety for crispness and flavour. It has one 

 fault, in that ir runs to seed so soon in the summer; for this reason we 

 have to rely on the 'White Cos' varieties from the end of June to the 

 middle of November. The first sowing of 'Bath Cos' is made about 

 lulv IS ; this is ready for use in the middle of November, and frames are 

 then put over it for the winter. It lasts until the end of March, when the 



