Feb.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 123 
Forcing Asparagus. 
Hot-beds for forcing early asparagus, may be made any time this 
month, for which purpose you must be provided with proper plants; 
these are previously raised in the natural ground from seed, as 
hereafter directed, which being transplanted from the seed-bed into 
others duly prepared for their reception, and having two or three 
years growth there, they then are of the proper size and strength 
for forcing. But observe, that in those parts of the Union where 
the ground is subject at this season to be bound up by frost, pre- 
vious precaution will be necessary, in order to secure a supply of 
plants when wanted for this purpose; therefore, before the setting 
in of the severe winter frost, cover a sufficient number in the beds 
wherein they are growing, with as much dry litter or leaves of 
trees, &c as will effectually keep the ground from being frozen, so 
that you can remove it, and take up the plants conveniently when 
wanted. 
Or you may, on the approach of severe frosts, take up a sufficient 
quantity with as little injury to the roots as possible, which may be 
planted in sand or dry earth in a warm cellar, in the same manner 
as directed for planting them in the frame, covering their crowns 
about an inch, observing not to croud the plants for fear of their be- 
coming mouldy; and in mild weather ventilate the cellar as often as 
possible, to prevent any bad effect to the roots from stagnant air: 
but when it can be done, it will be much better to take up the plants 
out of their beds according as you want them. 
The necessary quantity for a three-light frame is from three to 
four hundred plants, and so in proportion for any number of frames; 
the plants in such beds ought to be set very close, in order that by 
having as many as possible in each frame, they may produce a pro- 
portionable supply, to recompence sufficiently for the trouble and 
expense of forcingthem. 
A bed for this purpose is to be made in like manner as those di- 
rected for cucumbers in pages 12 and 13, but very substantial; then 
put on the frame, and earth it all over six or seven inches deep, for 
the immediate reception of the plants. 
The bed being made and earthed as above, and a sufficient quantity 
of plants in readiness, proceed to planting by raising at one end a 
small ridge of earth about three or four inches high, against which 
place a row of plants close to one another, drawing some earth to 
the bottom of the roots; then place others against these in the 
same manner, and so continue till the frame is full; all having their 
tops or crowns upright, and of an equal level. When the whole 
bed is thus planted, cover the crowns of the roots all over with light 
rich earth, about two inches deep, which concludes the work for the 
present. 
You may now put on the lights, which are to be kept open, rais- 
ed high behind, or slided down every day, except in very severe 
weather, but at night let them be closed: give all the air possible so 
that you do not suffer the earth in the bed to be frozen or chilled, by 
