Oct.] the KITCHEN GARDEN. 521 
to have the stalks cut down and the weeds drawn oft' into the alleys, 
which must be dug to bury them, and as you proceed spread a little 
of the earth over the beds, after which they are to be treated as 
noticed next month. 
I would not advise to attempt the forcing of asparagus sooner 
than November, as before that period the roots will not be com- 
pletely matured j however, you may, about the middle or towards 
the latter end of this month, begin to prepare hot-beds for the 
reception of the roots early in November. See the method in 
page 121. 
Celery and Cardoons. 
In dry weather continue to earth up celery and cardoons, to 
blanch them, as directed in page 480. For the method of preserving 
them in winter see next month. 
Aromatic and Medicinal Herbs, ^c. 
Cut down all the decayed flower stems and shoots of the various 
kinds of aromatic, pot, and medicinal herbs close to the heads of 
the plants, or to the surface of the ground, according to the nature 
or growth of the different sorts^ at the same time clear the beds 
very well from weeds and litter, and carry the whole off" the 
ground. 
Lavender, thyme, hyssop, winter savoury, southern wood, sage, 
rue, and the like undershrubby kinds will require only their tops 
or heads to bs neatly dressed; but pot marjoram, baum, burnet, 
tarragon, tansey, penny-royal, sorrel, chamomile, fennel, marsh 
mallows, horehound, mint of every kind, angelica, lovage, and 
every kind of herbaceous perennial herbs should be cut down pretty 
close to the ground. 
After this it will be proper in beds v.'here the plants stand 
distant from one another, to lightly dig and loosen the ground 
between them; or, in old beds it would be a great advantage to 
spread some very rotten dung equally over the surface, and with 
a small spade or trowel to dig it in lightly between the plants; 
if they are in beds with alleys between them, dig the alleys and 
spread a little of the loose earth over the beds, leaving the edges 
full and straight. 
But the bed§ of close growing running plants, such as mint, 
penny-royal, and the like creeping herbs will not well admit of 
digging; therefore, after the stalks are cut down and the beds 
cleared from weeds, dig the alleys and strew some of the loose 
earth evenly over the beds; and if the ground be rather poor, 
a light top dressing of very rotten dung will be of considerable 
service. 
This dressing will give proper culture and protection to the 
roots of the plants, a neat appearance to the whole, and in spring 
the shoots will rise with renewed vigour. 
Early in the month you may plant, where wanted, well rooted 
JO 
