22 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. [Jan. 
the seed thinly on the surface, and cover it with the same kind of 
earth a quarter of an inch deep. 
When the plants come up, let them enjoy the free air in mild 
weather, and cover them in cold nights, and also in very severe 
frost, whilst young; and when an inch or two high, thin them to 
about three inches asunder; and you will thus have young spring 
carrots for drawing in April and May. 
Sowing Radishes. 
In order to have radishes as early as possible, recourse must be 
had to the assistance of hot-beds; therefore, any time in this month, 
make a moderate hot-bed for one or more garden frames, only about 
two feet and a half depth of dung, sufficient just to promote the 
early germination of the seed, and forward the plants moderately 
without running them up long shanked, &c. When the bed is made, 
set on the frame, lay in about six inches depth of good light garden 
earth, then having some seed of the best early-frame, or short- 
topped radish, sow it evenly on the surface, press it into the earth 
with the back of a spade, cover it nearly half an inch deep with 
light mould, and put on the glasses. 
When the plants appear, give them a large share of air, either 
by taking the glasses, &c. entirely off, whenever it can be done with 
safety, even for half an hour at a time, or tilting them up high at 
one end, as the weather will permit, otherwise they will draw, or 
run up long shanked, and be spoiled; and after the plants have been 
up a few days, thin them regularly with your hand, where they 
stand too thick, and leave the strongest plants standing not less 
than an inch asunder. Support a gentle heat in the bed, when it 
declines, by applying a moderate lining of hot dung. 
Mushrooms. 
Mushroom-beds should be carefully attended to at this season. 
They should have sufficient covering to defend them effectually 
from the frost, rain, or snow; which should not be less than two 
feet thick; and if heavy rain or snow should have penetrated quite 
through the covering, this must be removed immediately, or your 
spawn will be in danger of perishing. Replace it with good cover- 
ing of clean and dry wheat or other straw; and in order to defend 
the bed more effectually from wet and cold, it is advisable to spread 
some large garden mats, or canvass cloths, over the straw, which will 
greatly preserve the beds. 
Artichokes. 
Artichokes, if not landed up before, should not be neglected any 
longer, except the severity of the frost prevents it: in which case, 
as these plants are liable to sufl"er greatly by rigorous frosts, it is 
advisable to give some temporary protection, first clearing away the 
decayed and large old leaves, then apply a good thick covering of 
