524 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. [Oct, 
heads become very heavy, and often break dovi^n even by their own 
weight, where they are not well secured, in which case there will 
be a considerable loss both in the quantity and quality of the seed. 
When the seed is ripe, which is very perceivable by the capsules 
opening, and the seed turning black, the heads are to be cut off and 
spread thinly upon coarse cloths, in the sun, till quite dry, observing 
to keep them under shelter at night and in wet weatherj then beat 
or rub out the seed, fan it clean, expose it to the sun for a day or 
two after and put it up in bags till Wanted for sowing. 
Some people plant the onions which they intend to produce seed 
in spring, but when planted at that season they are never so pro- 
ductive of seed as those planted in October, and are much more 
subject to blite; however, when it is so determined, it should be 
done as soon after the middle of February as it is possible to get the 
ground in a fit condition to receive them, and should not be covered 
more than from two to three inches over their crowns; observing 
to select for that purpose such roots as have good properties and 
no growths from their tops. 
A slight covering of straw or light litter laid over the October 
planted beds, on the approach of hard frost, and raked clean off as 
soon as the leaves begin to appear in spring, would be of use, 
though it is not absolutely necessary to the preservation of the 
roots. 
Horse-RadisJi and Scurvy Grass. 
You may now plant roots of the Cochlearia armoracia, or horse- 
radish, in dry, rich ground, agreeably to the directions given in page 
208, but in moist soil; March will be a preferable time. 
This is a proper season to sow some seed of the Cochlearia officinalis 
or common officinal scurvy-grass; from this sowing the plants will 
rise freely in spring, and generally succeed better than if sown at 
that season. I do not mean what is commonly used for an early 
spring salad, and generally called scurvy-grass, for the sowing 
of which I have given directions in page 464, under the name of 
Winter Cresses. 
Ordinary work. 
Give a general hoeing and weeding to all your crops, and carry 
the weeds immediately out of the garden, lest they shed their seeds 
and lay the foundation of much trouble; likewise clean all vacant 
quarters from weeds, and from the decayed stalks of peas, beans, 
cabbages, &c. 
Such spaces of ground as are now vacant should be dunged and 
dug, or trenched, that it may have the true advantage of fallow in 
the winter season. 
If the ground is of a stiff or heavy nature, throw it up into high 
sloping ridges, for the reasons assigned jn page 9. 
Taking up the roofs of Carrots, Beets, Sj-c. 
About the latter end of the month you may begin to take up the 
