ASPARAGUS. 
37 
WINTER DRESSING OF ASPARAGUS REDS. 
About the beginning of November, if the stalks of Aspar- 
agus turn yellow, which is a sign of their having finished 
their growth for the season, cut them down close to the 
earth, cany them off the ground, and clear the beds care- 
fully from weeds. 
Asparagus beds must have an annual dressing of gooa 
manure ; let it be laid equally over the beds, two or three 
inches thick, after which, with a fork made for the purpose, 
(which should have three flat tines,) dig in the dung quite 
down to the crowns of the plants, by which means the roots 
will be greatly benefited ; as the winter rains will wash the 
manure down among them. It is the practice with some 
gardeners to dig the alleys at every autumn dressing, and 
cover the beds with the soil taken out ; this may be done for 
the first two years after the beds are made, but not afterward ; 
as, when the plants are in full growth, their roots and crowns 
extend into the alleys, and digging them up frequently de- 
stroys plants, or renders them too weak to produce buds in 
perfection. The beds will be greatly benefited if covered 
to the depth of several inches with leaves, sea-weed, or long 
litter from the livery stables. 
The seedling Asparagus should also have a slight dressing, 
that is, clear the bed from weeds, and then spread light dung 
over it, to the depth of one or two inches, to defend the 
crown of the plants from frost. 
SPRING DRESSING OF THE BEDS. 
This work should be done from about the latter end oi 
March to the middle of April, or just before the buds begin 
to lise. After clearing away all long litter, or whatever may 
encumber the ground, spread the short dung over the whole 
surface, and dig it in : if the alleys be dug at the same time, 
it will be very beneficial to the plants. Care must be taken 
at this season not to wound the crowns with the tines of the 
fork, but forking the beds should not be neglected, a3 admit- 
