12G 
by a lid, binged to the backwall. Thus the wliole appearance, 
when shut down, is that of a long and huge box. At least two 
feet of the hot manure is introduced, and on this the crowns 
or roots are placed as thickly as they can be packed; these, in 
general, average about a foot in depth, and thus their heads are 
just level with the floor, having one foot of head room. As 
soon as the buds have grown two to three inches, we cool down 
the bottom heat immediately by applying cold water, in each 
can of which a handful of salt is dissolved, applying it until 
the heat is greatly subdued, and adding more in a few days, if 
necessary. The lid, of course, is kept closed at all limes, and 
thus the Kale becomes beautifully blanched. It matters not, 
however, how cleverly the forcing is carried out, unless the 
roots are strong and sound, we therefore offer a few hints on its 
culture. 
Sow in the early part of March, in a very rich drill, and when 
the plants are up, thin them to about two inches from plant to 
plant, and keep them clean through the summer. In the fol- 
lowing February a highly manured, and deeply trenched plot 
must be prepared for their further culture ; here they are to be 
planted in rows, three feet apart, and at one foot distance in the 
row. A cleanly course of culture is, of course, carried on through 
the summer ; and, in the end of July, a good soaking of liquid 
manure should be given, adding a handful of salt to every three- 
gallon can of the liquid. This is done to cause the leaf to be- 
come boldly develo|)ed, for as the size of the leaf is, so will be the 
strength of the crown, By the latter end of October the leaves 
will begin to perish; and, at that period, trench out the whole 
stock intended for forcing, and “ lay it in by the heels.” From 
this stock the quantity can be drawn, as wanted for forcing. 
This, then, completes the whole process ; but, we may add, that 
the Kale being a marine plant, and growing principally in saline 
sands, stiff clayey soil is not well adapted for its culture. Such 
soils should be thoroughly drained, and a vast amount of sand 
or ashes incorporated with it. The bed, moreover, in which it 
is planted, may, in that case, be raised nine inches above the 
ground-level. 
308 Mushroom Culture. An important portion of the delicacy 
of forced Mushrooms, whether appearance or flavour be the 
consideration, depends on their being whitened, or blanched. 
