As this is a crop of a somewhat permanent character, it becomes necessary to make a good beginning, as such will be cheapest in the end. The fall is the best time to commence preparing the compost. Choose a well drained, open spot - sandy, if possible; convey to this a barrow-load of rotted barnyard manure or tree leaves, to every two square yards, and the same proportion of sea-weed, if to be had; if not, use a peck of rock salt instead; next, open a trench two feet deep at one end of the plot, and remove the soil taken out to the opposite or finishing part; spread at the bottom a layer of the dnng or leaves; over this put three inches of soil from the next intended trench, then a layer of the sea-weed or salt, three inches more earth, again a covering of dung, and so on until the next trench is excavated two feet Continue on in this way until the whole is accomplished, and, in working, leave the material as rough and open as possible; so let it remain for the winter. When the ground is in a suitable state in the spring, turn over the whole base in the opposite or sideways directiou; leave it two weeks in this state, and then again repeat the operation transversely.

At this time, make the top level; measure off the plot into five-feet wide parts; string a line along each; mark this with the spade, for a guide; remove the line, and throw out the soil (two feet wide, and some four inches deep) on to the beds, leaving them in a convex shape, with alley-ways between. We are now ready for preparing to plant. Along the centre of the convexity string the line again; cut a trench perpendicularly, about six inches deep; have the plants carefully taken up, with the roots entire; place each one foot apart, against the side, and spread out the rootlets in the form of a fan; press the soil against them, and let the crown be fully two inches below the surface. On both sides of this row plant another at the distance of eighteen inches, in like manner; level and finish as the work proceeds. By this arrangement, we have beds five feet wide, containing three rows of plants, eighteen inches asunder, with passages two feet wide between, which will be convenient when gathering the crop. When all is completed, cover over two inches of rotted manure as a mulching.

With regard to the area of ground required for the Use of a family, it may be from ten feet wide by fifty feet long to twenty-five feet by fifty; bat the latter is enough for a very large supply, and the former will, in most cases, be amply sufficient. Always accept one year plants; if they are to be had, for they will be ready for nee quite as soon as those which are older, with a greater certainty of success. These plants can always be purchased at reasonable prices from the nurserymen; so that, when there is not a home supply, the deficiency can be readily made up.