123 
the soil is thus regularly distributed between the roots, a layer 
of fine soil or sand, of nearly six inches in thickness, must be 
spread all over the surface of the crowns, in order to give 
length to the Asparagus, and to prevent the toughness which 
would occur, through sudden depressions in the temperature, if 
left uncovered. 
In early forcing, the protectors will still require the addition 
of litter, or even a renewal of the linings; and as soon as the 
Asparagus begins to peep through the soil, as much air as possi- 
ble must be given, in order to impart colour and flavour to the 
Asparagus; colour is, indeed, indicative of flavour, and cannot 
be obtained without the influence of both air and light. Light 
sufficient, however, may be obtained in the opaque protectors 
by means already described ; and every care must be taken, 
daily, to ventilate as much as possible, as long as the Aspara- 
gus can be kept free from frosty air. We would advise those 
who contemplate an annual supply of forced Asparagus, which, 
it must be confessed, is one of the greatest culinary dainties we 
possess, to keep a good breadth in cultivation; indeed, without 
this it is impossible to carry out such a system. Our practice 
has been, for years, to force the very best we have, and to con- 
tinue planting a good stock annually. 
Our old beds of course we force, in preference to the off-hand 
destruction of the roots; the produce, however, is usually small 
in size, and is converted by the cook’s art into what is by them 
termed “ Asparagus Peas.” 
It should be remembered here, by the amateur, that the 
forcing is merely developing the latent bud ; the size and suc- 
culency depending mainly, if not entirely, on high culture in the 
open ground during the preceding year. 
Riiub.vrb Forcing, in opaque protectoi-s. Following out the 
classification at page 116, we have now Rhubarb to deal with ; 
the forcing of which is so extremely simple, that we need not 
dwell long on it. Rhubarb has much improved of late years, 
through its tendency to sport when raised from seed ; and has 
not only gained in size and succulency, but in precocity : in- 
deed, as to the latter point, some new varieties are so excitable, 
that as soon as the new year arrives, little more is needed than 
a tall chimney-pot, placed over the crowns, to ward off the cold 
winds. Still, however, the Rhubarb tart may be enjoyed before 
302. AUCTARIUM. 
