rmanency of character in the
plants; such slight variations as appear from time to time being caused,
to a considerable extent, by the nature of the soil, or by the
situation in which the plants are grown. What are called the Red-topped
and Green-topped may perhaps be somewhat distinct, and considered as
varieties."--_Glenny._

Soil and location have unquestionably much influence, both as respects
the quality and size of the sprouts. A bed of asparagus in one locality
produced shoots seldom reaching a diameter of half an inch, and of a
very tough and fibrous character; while a bed in another situation,
formed of plants taken from the same nursery-bed, actually produced
sprouts so large and fine as to obtain the prize of the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society.

If any variety really exists peculiar in size, form, color, or quality,
it cannot be propagated by seed. Large sprouts may afford seeds, which,
as a general rule, will produce finer asparagus than seeds from smaller
plants; but a variety, when it occurs, can be propagated only by a
division of the roots.

Mr. Thompson states, that on one part of Mr. Grayson's extensive
plantation, on the south side of the Thames, near London, the so-called
Grayson's Giant was produced; and in another section, the common sort:
but, when both were made to change places, the common acquired the
dimensions of the Giant, whilst the latter diminished to the ordinary
size.

Seeds of the following named and described sorts may be obtained of
seedsmen, and will undoubtedly, in nearly all cases, afford fine
asparagus; but they will not produce plants which will uniformly possess
the character of the parent variety:--

BATTERSEA. _Rog._

Battersea is famed for producing fine asparagus, and the name is applied
to the particular variety there grown. The heads are large, full, and
close, and the tops tinted with a reddish-green color. It is probably
intermediate between the Green and Purple-topped.

GRAVESEND. _Rog._

Originated and named under like circumstances with the Battersea. The
top is greener, and not generally so plump and close; but it is
considered finer flavored. Both varieties are, however, held in great
estimation.

GRAYSON'S GIANT.

This variety, as also the Deptford, Mortlake, and Reading, all
originated and were named under the same conditions as the varieties
before described. All are fine sorts; but the difference between them,
and indeed between all of