310 
A CATECHISM OF GARDENING. 
digged in along the bottom, and covered with the earth turned up by 
the spade, on this the plants are dibbedin along the centre, six inches 
apart, and immediately receive a good drenching of water. 
How is the second method executed P A trench, five feet wide, 
having margins of four feet on each side, is digged out to the depth 
of one foot, the bottom of this sunken bed is covered with a coat of 
rich moist rotted dung, and digged in; on this the plants are put in 
cross rows, one foot asunder, and the plants six inches from each other 
in the rows. 
And how are the plants moulded-up ? As the plants advance in 
height, those in the single trenches are moulded-up by having the 
sides of the trenches shovelled gradually down against the leaves. 
This work is best done in dry weather, and repeated once a week, 
till in the end of October. When the green tops are only exposed, 
and the mould banked and firmly patted slopingly up on each side, 
which serves as a defence against rain as well as frost; this finishes 
the culture. The spaces between the rows in the wide trenches are 
in the way filled up between the plants, as the latter rise in height, 
by well broken mould taken from the sides till the bed is three feet 
high, and should severe frost set in, the whole may be covered with 
mats or dry-litter. 
How late in the year may celery be planted out ? Until Septem¬ 
ber; but the trenches may then be shallow, as the plant grows but 
slowly after that time. 
Is not celery naturally a water plant? Yes; but unless it be 
cultivated in the way above described, it would retain so much of its 
natural bitterness that it would not at all be relished. 
Are there different sorts of celery ? There are eight varieties; but 
the solid white, red and giant kinds are most esteemed. A distinct 
' variety called celeriac, or turnip-rooted, requiring no blanching, is 
also in cultivation, useful in soups, &c. 
What are cardoons ? A species of artichoke, the leaves of which 
being tied together and earthed highly up, blanches the leaf-stalks, 
renders them palatable and fit for salads, and soups in Italian cookery. 
Do you include rhubarb among your edible leaf-stalks ? Certain¬ 
ly ; because this celebrated medicinal plant is cultivated and is an 
useful vegetable for pies, puddings, and tarts; answering the purpose 
of green fruit, at a time when no green fruits are to be had. For 
family use, and particularly for children, rhubarb puddings are as 
economical as gratifying; and no garden should be without eight or 
ten plants, which will thrive in any bye-corner. 
Which are the best varieties for this purpose ? All the varieties 
