THE AMATEUR’S KITCHEN GARDEN. 293 
in exposed situations and on thin soils grass mowings should 
be used as a mulch to keep the ground moist, but should be 
examined occasionally to guard against it becoming a har- 
bour for slugs. Put sticks to rows of peas as soon as they 
require it ; well bank up those that are forward. Thin par- 
snips and carrots to eight inches apart, and go on transplant- 
ing from seed-beds as fast as the plants are large enough to 
handle, leaving the smallest to get stronger before removing 
them. Choose showery weather, if possible, for transplanting, 
or else give shade for a few days, and gentle watering. Flat- 
hoe potatoes, and draw but little earth to their stems ; the 
old method of moulding them up has proved to be of no 
benefit at all, rather an injury, as the heat of the sun cannot 
have too ready an access to the roots. Thin out celery, and 
make up small beds for the plants on very rich, hard ground. 
Trenches should now be made for celery, and six inches of 
rotten dung forked into the bottom of each. A dull or 
showery day should be chosen to put out the plants, and 
plenty of water given during dry weather. Look to seed-beds, 
and transplant ; well hoe and clear the ground as may be 
necessary. The use of liquid manure and frequent stirring of 
the ground between growing crops, will hasten and improve 
the growth of all things. Sow beans and peas for succession ; 
savoy for late crop. Cabbage, broccoli, kale, beetroot, kidney 
beans, both runners and dwarfs, lettuces, spinach, turnips, 
cucumbers, and marrows may now be sown in the open 
ground for a late supply. 
Plums and pears, and indeed all bush and pyramid fruits, 
will want pinching in to the third or fourth leaf from the 
base. Where large crops of fruit are set, thin severely, but 
not all at once, as the more fruit the poorer will its quality 
be. Give strawberries plenty of water. If raspberries have 
not been mulched, give them at once a top-dressing of half- 
rotten dung. Do not dig it in. In the orchard-house renew 
the mulchings if needful ; give plenty of water. 
Pits and frames that have been emptied of their winter 
occupants will now be useful for hardening bedding plants 
previous to planting out. Cucumbers and melons must have 
good culture and regular stopping and training ; they should 
be looked to daily. Always keep a canful of water in each 
frame, to have it tepid for use. 
