10 
The Illustrated Guide jor Amateur Gardeners 
Artichokes. 
•Green Globe. Seed por oz- ~x % 
Purple „ „ '.10 
For Jerusalem and Globe Artichokes, see page 52. 
Asparagus. 
Cultivation. — This, one of the finest vegetables in creation, is a general favourite, and were its medicinal qualities fully known 
would, considering its easy culture, be more extensively grown, and the wonder is, why all who possess any form of garden, short of an 
allotment, do not grow it plentifully. Nor does the preparation, and subsequent support required by the bed exceed that of other crops, 
if, indeed, it is nearly so much, whilst the bulk of the produce, if taken account of, perhaps exceeds that of most kinds, and that of a quality 
we need not accord words of praise to here. We would most impressively urge our customers to make Asparagus the first and most 
important consideration in planting a kitchen garden. 
Asparagus likes a moderately consistent soil, and one both moisture absorbing and transmitting, or such as does not retain an 
excess of latent moisture. In view of this a good drained quarter is best for it, and that on a site both open and sunny. To work 
the bed properly, it should be deeply trenched, adding manure of any green or coarse kind plentifully to the bottom of the trenches, and 
ouch as is more decomposed and shorter, near to the upper soil. If the bed becomes somewhat elevated in the operation, so much the 
better. Where good subsoil exists, and the necessary labour referred to above cannot be afforded, even then, rather than have no 
Asparagus bed, we advise all to thoroughly manure and dig the site most approved, and make a plantation at once. Even so treated, 
it will afford much and fairly good useful produce. • 
Asparagus plants are easily grown from seed. A rich nursery hod should he made for them, and if it can be made upon a firm 
■bottom, and where it can be kept well manure-watered, so much the better. Sow the seeds in thin drill rows at from one to three feet 
apart, according to the desire that exists to grow very strong young plants. Thin the seedlings out well when they aro up, and keep 
them free from weeds. Seeds may he sown to form plants permanently upon the beds whereon they are to stand and grow. It is best, 
however, to plant one year old seedlings. 
The young plants may he planted during March and the first week in April, either upon beds which have been formed some four feet 
wide, having alleys of two feet in width between, or in rows from three to five feet apart across, the whole piece, but not less than the 
former. Plant them in trenches or deep drill rows shovelled out, and somewhat thickly in the rows, covering them over with about 
three inches of soil. Always so manipulate the soil as to be able to spread the roots out straight all around. 
In the Autumn, as soon as the stems turn quite yell o w, cut them off below and remove them, well hoeing the ground and raking 
all litter off neatly,. In January of the following year give a thorough good dressing of decayed manure, and a sprinkling of salt. With 
good cultivation till the plants are three years old, they are fit to out from. Cut all the “ blades” both large and small as they form. 
Cease cutting each year as soon as a fair supply has been obtained, as to do so proves a material guarantee for subsequent fine produce. 
Asparagus (True Giant) - perl'K^O 4 
„ Connover’s Colossal. A very large variety ... ... ... ... ... g 8 . o 6 
EARLY GIANT PURPLE. As grown by the celebrated French growers for Paris Market; robust variety of the 
most delicious flavour ... ... ... ... ... • ... ... ... per lb. Vs. 0 8 
For Plants, see page 53. 
Borecole or Kale. 
Cultivation, see Cabbage. 
DANIELS’ DWARF EXQUISITE. 
A dwarf compact-growing variety, leaves exquisitely 
curled and fringed, most valuable for garnishing, it 
is also well adapted for culinary purposes, presenting 
a pleasing appearance when cooked 
DANIELS’ MOSS CURLED. Of medium 
height, very hardy, with foliage beautifully curled 
Cottagers’. Exceedingly hardy 
Dwarf Green Curled. Yery hardy, dwarf-stemmed, 
flavour very mild, colour dark green when cooked, 
the best for general crop ... 
Tall Green Curled. The Tall Scotch Kale 
Variegated or Garnishing. A fine curled-leaved 
variety, beautifully variegated, very useful and orna- 
mental for garnishing, also valuable for Winter 
gardening 
per pkt. 
s. d. 
0 6 
0 6 
0 3 
0 3 
0 3 
0 4 
per oz, 
s. d. 
1 6 
1 6 
0 8 
0 8 
0 8 
1 0 
EVIDENCE OF QUALITY. 
“ Your Broccoli, Cabbage, &c., served splendidly last year, and your Lettuce 
was excellent.”— Be v. J. C. EDWARDS, Aylesbury. 
I am pleased to tell you that, I took twenty-two Prizes at our 
Show held on July 7th, twelve First and ten Second, mostly from 
your Seeds.”— Mr. A. BOOTY, P.C., Chippenham. 
“I must say that during my many years’ practical experience, I have never got 
Seeds to give me so much satisfaction as yours. The Seeds supplied last year did 
remarkably well.”— Mr. P. BRADY, Waterslade. 
