March 27. 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
495 
require to have the ground neatly dug; the dung 
being used elsewhere ; and the same may be said 
of the Artichokes and Rhubarb ; because, being in 
proximity to the Sea-hale , they are sure to want a 
similar digging-up at a season when everything is 
expected to wear an air of neatness. 
0 
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f 
d. —Onions being recommended to be sown on this plot, 
it would be well to sow some Radishes over the 
ground likewise; but, supposing this to have been 
done last week, little remains to be done uow, save 
to take the advantage of the plants getting-up, and 
stirring the soil between the rows. Watch that 
birds and slugs do not destroy the young brood, the 
Radishes being more likely to sulfer than the Onions- 
e. —Sow Peas twice this month; the Champion, or Sur¬ 
prize, being the best. Remove any waste Greens, 
or cut Brocoli, and dig the ground well, adding 
manure from the Sea-hale plot c; and stake the 
earliest crop of Peas, as well as all others, as they 
come on. 
/.—This being vacant, and destined for Dwarf Kidney 
Beans, and their tall brethren, the Scarlet Runner; 
two or three rows of the former, and ono of the 
latter, may be put in about the middle of the 
mouth; it is better not to be too hasty with these 
delicate plants. Another sowing may be made at 
the end. 
,j .—This will require much doing to. Early Horn and 
Long Surrey Carrots may be sown early in the 
month; and Red Beet at the end of it. Broad 
Beans, for second crop, may also be planted towards 
the end of the month; and a space left for another 
sowing a month afterwards. Stir the ground be¬ 
tween the Beans that are advancing; and thin 
Parsnips, as soon as they can bo handled, to about 
eight inches apart. 
h. —A bed of Turnips may be sown here about the 
middle of the month, and, probably, some other 
odd crop, which the wants of the family may sug¬ 
gest, may also be sown, or planted here, which is 
not enumerated in the above, or contained in our 
general feature of this and other departments. 
Bohders. —Sow the late kinds of Brocoli recommended 
at page 401, on a nicely-prepared bed, labelling 
each; as likewise a little Cauliflower, Lettuce, and 
one sort of Cabbage ; Savoy and Brussels Sprouts 
we suppose to be sown last month. Celery must 
be sown in a warm corner ; and if under glass all 
the better, not later than the first- of the month. 
Sow also Sweet Marjoram and Basil; and give a 
dressing to beds of herbs, as Mint, Sage, Tarragon, 
'Thyme, and other things. Cover up Potatoes by 
some homely protection at nights; and stir the 
earth between them and other things. If there be 
Peach and other fruit-trees against the walls, some 
covering then will have been required; it may 
generally be discontinued about the first week 
in May, taking it off in dull, mild weather. Keep 
all things in good order, including the walks and 
their edgings. 
Frame.— Supposing there to be a single frame and 
lights for Cucumbers, it ought to be at full work 
uow ; for, apart from growing Cucumbers, an active 
hand will have every inch of it not occupied by 
runners doing duty in the way of striking cuttings 
of Dahlia, Verbena, Petunia, and other summer¬ 
flowering plants, as well as in bringing some other 
things on. Tots of seedlings may also be placed 
here. In faot, a Cucumber-frame ought to be quite 
full all this season. Care, however, must be taken 
not to introduce anything into it likely to encourage 
disease or insect. A strong decoction of tobacco 
will kill all insect life by the cuttings being well 
immersed in it before putting in; that I have used 
in a Cucumber-frame, at times, with impunity. 
J. Robson. 
ALLOTMENT FARMING FOlt APRIL. 
The April of this year will be a busy month in the allot¬ 
ments. The ground in January and February was entirely 
given up to the dominion of King Frost, who bound it in 
his icy fetters, and defied the interference of man during liis 
unusually severe reign. With a change of weather came 
the bustle of farming and of gardening operations, and what 
in other seasons would have extended over four months is 
now confined to the spring season of March and April. There¬ 
fore, it is necessary to be up and doing, and whatever was left 
unfinished in the instructions for March should be done 
without delay. The hoe should be kept actively employed 
at all favourable opportunities, for the destruction of weeds, 
and to encourage a rapid growth of tho crops. 
BRUSSELS SPROUTS 
are a useful vegetable and productive crop that is now being 
more generally cultivated, as its wholesome qualities and 
hardy nature are better appreciated by cottagers. A small 
quantity of seed sown about the middle of the month will 
give sufficient plants for the cottager’s purpose, to be trans¬ 
planted between rows of Potatoes, Scarlet Runners, or Peas, 
in short, it will grow well in situations generally considered 
unfavourable. It is usual to cut off the tops about a 
fortnight before gathering from the stems. At Brussels 
they are served at table with a sauce composed of vinegar, 
butter, and nutmeg, poured upon them hot after they have 
been boiled. 
RHUBARB 
is also a delicacy that is becoming a favourite with the 
