214 THE FRUIT-GARDEN. [March , 
being peeled, ate them sliced and stewed, with butter, wine and 
spices— thus, they were a dainty for a queen, being as pleasant as 
the bottom of an artichoke:" hence probably that name originated, 
as they bear not the least resemblance in growth to an artichoke. 
The roots being the eatable part, are large fleshy tubers, much 
resembling a potatoe; are in perfection in autumn and all the winter, 
and are wholesome palatable food, when properly dressed. 
They are raised by sets, or cuttings, of the root, preparing the 
sets and planting them as directed for potatoes, in rows three feet 
asunder, four or five inches deep, and eighteen inches distant from 
one another in the rows: they increase abundantly, will thrive in any 
tolerable soil, and cannot be easily got out of the ground again, for 
the least bit will grow. It is a native of Brazil, and a striking instance 
of how tropical productions may gradually and successfully be intro- 
duced and naturalized in colder climates. 
SOUTHERN STATES. 
This is a very principal month in the southern states for garden- 
ing: all manner of work hitherto directed, may now be performed 
there, successfully. In South Carolina and Georgia they may now 
sow the seeds of melons, cucumbers, squashes, tomatoes, egg-piants, 
okras, red peppers, Sec. as directed in the kitchen-garden for April 
and May. 
THE FRUIT-GARDEN. 
Pruning Pears, Plumbs, Cherries, Apples, Sfc. 
As early in this month as possible, finish pruning your cherries 
and plums; also your apple and pear-trees, before the end thereof, 
whether as espaliers, standards, or wall-trees. Peaches, nectarines, 
apricots, almonds, quinces, &c. should also be pruned early in 
the month, if not done before. For the particular method of prun- 
ing espalier and wall-trees, see the Fruit-Garden for January and 
February, pages 24 and 136; and for that of the standards, the 
Orchard, pages 46, 143, &c. This should be particularly attended 
to, and the pruning of all kinds of Fruit-trees finished before their 
buds begin to push. 
Pruning and training young Apricot, Nectarine and Peach 
Trees, <§*c. for Espaliers and [Vails. 
Now is the only proper time to head down young wall or espalier 
trees, Sec. preparatory to their first training: such as apricot. 
