sh on the borders,--short, thick, and
fleshy at the base. Earlier than the Laon, but not so fleshy. Much grown
in Anjou and Brittany.

PURPLISH-RED.

Bud conical; scales green towards their tips, and purplish-red at their
base. Not very fleshy, and in no respect superior to the other
varieties.

* * * * *

ASPARAGUS.

Asparagus officinalis.

Asparagus is a hardy, perennial, maritime plant. It rises to the height
of five feet and upwards, with an erect, branching stem; short, slender,
nearly cylindrical leaves; and greenish, drooping flowers. The seeds,
which are produced in globular, scarlet berries, are black, somewhat
triangular, and retain their germinative powers four years. Twelve
hundred and fifty weigh an ounce.

It is indigenous to the shores of various countries of Europe and Asia;
and, since its introduction, has become naturalized to a considerable
extent in this country. It is frequently seen in mowing-fields upon old
farms; and, in some instances, has found its way to the beaches and
marshes of the seacoast.

_Propagation._--It is propagated from seed, which may be sown either in
autumn, just before the closing-up of the ground; or in spring, as soon
as the soil is in good working condition. The nursery, or seed-bed,
should be thoroughly spaded over, the surface levelled and raked smooth
and fine, and the seed sown, not very thickly, in drills twelve or
fourteen inches apart, and about an inch in depth. An ounce of seed is
sufficient for fifty or sixty feet of drill.

When the plants are well up, thin them to three inches asunder; as they
will be much stronger, if grown at some distance apart, than if allowed
to stand closely together. Cultivate in the usual manner during the
summer, and give the plants a light covering of stable-litter during the
winter.

Good plants of one year's growth are preferred by experienced growers
for setting; but some choose those of two years, and they may be used
when three years old.

_Soil and Planting._--"A rich, sandy, alluvial soil, impregnated with
salt, is naturally best adapted to the growth of Asparagus; and, in such
soil, its cultivation is an easy matter. Soils of a different character
must be made rich by the application of fertilizing material, and light
and friable by trenching. Sand, in wet, heavy, clayey soil, is of
permanent benefit.

"The market-gardeners near London are aware of this; for, highly as they
man