2,2 JOHNSON & STOKES 
gus beds, as it contains a considerable percentage of sul- 
phate of potash, which is a direct fertilizer. It also contains 
a fourth of its bulk of salt. Ground bone, which contains 
nitrogen (ammonia) and phosphoric acid, is also a good 
thing to use on asparagus. It is very lasting in its action, 
and with the kainit makes a complete manure, especially in 
connection with the winter coat of stable manure. 
Asparagus is a gross feeder, and will take almost any 
amount of fertilizer. Market gardeners, who raise the most 
and best asparagus, depend mainly on enormous quantities 
of first-class stable manure; and this is probably the best 
fertilizer of all for this succulent and valuable vegetable. 
Tools. — No special tools are demanded in asparagus cul- 
ture, though such tools are on the market. Any long knife 
will do for cutting the shoots, although a very good knife 
is especially made of solid steel, and can be bought for 25 
cents. The cut should be made just below the surface of the 
ground, care being taken not to injure other shoots just com- 
ing up. Crooked shoots often make their appearance, result- 
ing from injury done by the cutting knife. Other causes, 
such as insects, hard soil, etc., produce crooked or deformed 
shoots. Asparagus bunchers, made of wood and metal, men- 
tioned in the seed catalogues, are sometimes used, the Acme, 
heretofore referred to, being the best and cheapest. 
Solid Steel Asparagus Knife. 
Any light plow with a wheel will answer for the aspara- 
gus bed. A light-weight harrow is also desirable. Where 
asparagus trenches are laid out and dug by hand of course 
a garden line must be used, in order to have them straight 
and uniform. The practice of digging deep trenches for 
