ASPARAGINOUS PLANTS.
The Artichoke. Asparagus. Cardoon. Hop. Oosung. Phytolacca.
* * * * *
THE ARTICHOKE.
Cynarus scolymus.
[Illustration: Green Globe Artichoke.]
The Artichoke is a hardy perennial. The stem is from four to five feet
in height, with numerous branches; the leaves are of remarkable size,
frequently measuring three feet, and sometimes nearly four feet in
length, pinnatifid, or deeply cut on the borders, and more or less
invested with an ash-colored down; the mid-ribs are large, fleshy, and
deeply grooved, or furrowed; the flowers are large, terminal, and
consist of numerous blue florets, enclosed by fleshy-pointed scales; the
seeds (eight hundred and fifty of which are contained in an ounce) are
of a grayish color, variegated with deep brown, oblong, angular,
somewhat flattened, and retain their vitality five years.
_Soil._--Select a light, rich, and rather moist soil, and trench it
well; incorporating in the process a liberal portion of old,
well-decomposed compost. Sea-weeds, kelp, rock-weed, and the like, where
they can be obtained, are the best fertilizers; but, where these are not
accessible, a slight application of salt will be beneficial.
_Propagation._--Artichokes may be propagated either by seeds, or by
slips, or suckers, from established plants. If by slips, they should be
taken off in May, when they have grown five or six inches in height, and
transplanted four or five inches deep, in rows four feet apart, and two
feet apart in the rows. Water freely, if dry weather occurs before the
young plants are established. Keep the ground loose by frequent hoeings;
and in August or September the heads will be fit for use. Before severe
weather, the plants should be covered with straw or stable-litter.
As plants of one year's growth produce but few heads, and are also later
in their development of these than established plants, it is the
practice of many cultivators to set a few young slips, and to destroy an
equal part of the old plantation, yearly.
_Propagation by Seeds._--"Sow the seeds in April, in a nursery-bed;
making the drills a foot apart, and covering the seeds an inch deep.
When the plants are three inches high, transplant as before directed.
Plants from seeds will seldom flower the first year."--_M'Int._
_To raise Seeds._--Allow a few of the largest central heads to remain;
and, just as the flowers expand, bend over the stalk so as to allow the
rain to run from the buds, as the seeds are often injured by wet
weather. In favorable seasons, they will ripen in September. According
to English authority, little dependence can be placed on seedling
plants: many produce small and worthless heads, whilst others produce
those of large size and of good quality.
_Taking the Crop._--"All of the heads should be cut as fast as they are
fit for use, whether wanted or not; as allowing them to flower greatly
weakens the plants, as does also permitting the stems that produced the
heads to remain after the heads are cut off. For pickling whole, the
heads should be cut when about two inches in diameter; for other
purposes, when they have nearly attained their full size, but before the
scales of the calyx begin to open. For what is called 'bottoms,' they
should be cut when they are at their largest size, and just as the
scales begin to show symptoms of opening, which is an indication that
the flowers are about to be formed; after which, the heads are
comparatively useless."--_M'Int._
_Use._--The portions of the plant used are the lowest parts of the
leaves, or scales, of the calyx; and also the fleshy receptacles of the
flower, freed from the bristles and seed-down. The latter are commonly
called the "choke," on account of their disagreeable character when
eaten.
Sometimes, particularly in France, the central leaf-stalk is blanched,
and eaten like cardoons. The bottom, which is the top of the
receptacles, is fried in paste, and enters largely into fricassees and
ragouts. They are sometimes pickled, and often used in a raw state as a
salad. The French also cut them into thin slices; leaving one of the
scales, or calyx leaves, attached, by which the slice is lifted, and
dipped in oil and vinegar before using. The English present the head
whole, or cut into quarters, upon a dry plate; the guests picking off
the scales one by one, which have a fleshy substance at the base. These
are eaten after being dipped in oil and vinegar.
What is called "artichoke chard" is the tender leaf-stalks blanched, and
cooked like cardoons. The Italians and French often eat the heads raw
with vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper; but they are generally preferred
when boiled.
_Varieties._--
DARK-RED SPINED.
Bud very small. The variety is remarkable for the very long spines in
which the scales terminate. For cultivation, it is inferior to the other
sorts.
EARLY PURPLE.
Purple. Purple Globe. Artichaut Violet. _Vil._
Heads rather small, obtusely conical; scales short and broad, pointed,
green at the base, tinged with purplish-red on the outside, towards
their extremities, moderately succulent, and of good quality. The
variety is early, but not hardy. In France, it is considered excellent
in its crude state, served with vinegar and oil; but not so good cooked.
GREEN GLOBE.
Large Round-headed. Globe.
A very large sort, much esteemed, and generally cultivated in England.
Heads, or buds, very large, nearly round, and with a dusky, purplish
tint. The scales turn in at the top, and the receptacle is more fleshy
than that of most varieties. It is generally preferred for the main
crop, as the scales, or edible parts, are thicker, and higher flavored,
than those of any other artichoke. It is not a hardy variety, and
requires ample protection during winter.
GREEN, OR COMMON.
French.
Bud very large, of a conical or oval form; scales deep-green, thick, and
fleshy, pointed at the tips, and turned outwards. Though it has not the
same thickness of flesh as the Green Globe Artichoke, it is much
hardier, more prolific, and one of the best sorts for cultivation.
GREEN PROVENCE.
Bud large; scales comparatively long and narrow, of a lively green
color, erect, fleshy at the base, and terminating in a sharp, brownish
spine, or thorn; leaves of the plant deep-green. Most esteemed in its
crude state; eaten as a salad in vinegar and oil.
LAON.
Gros vert de Laon. _Vil._
Similar to the Common Green Artichoke, but of larger size. Scales rather
loose and open, very deep-green, fleshy, and pointed. Much cultivated in
the vicinity of Paris, and there considered the best.
LARGE FLAT BRITTANY.
Artichaut Camus de Bretagne. _Vil._
Bud of medium size, somewhat globular, but flattened at the top; scales
closely set together, green, brownish 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
manure their ground for crops generally, they procure sand, or sandy
mud, from certain parts of the Thames, for Asparagus plantations, where
the soil is too heavy.
"The ground should be thoroughly trenched to the depth of two and a half
or three feet: and, in order to make it rich, a large quantity of manure
should be incorporated, as well at the bottom as near the
surface,--using either sandy mud; the scourings of ditches made into
compost; rock-weed, or kelp, where they can be procured; decayed leaves,
or leaf-mould; the remains of hot-beds, good peat, or almost any other
manure not in too crude a state.
"Where the soil is not so deep, and the subsoil coarse and rather
gravelly, the ground is not trenched so deep; the bottom of the trench
being merely dug over. Above this, however, a large quantity of manure
is applied; and by this, with good after-management,--chiefly consisting
in making the soil fine and light for the shoots to push
through,--excellent crops are produced.
"The ground should be divided into beds either three or five feet wide,
with an alley or path of two feet in width between. The reason for
having some of the beds so much narrower than the others is, that the
narrow ones are sooner heated by the sun's rays, and consequently an
earlier production is induced.
"The distance between the rows in the beds may be regulated as follows:
When the beds are three feet wide, two rows should be transplanted along
them: each row should be a foot from the edge of the bed, and they will
consequently be a foot apart. In beds that are five feet wide, three
rows should be transplanted, also lengthwise,--one along the middle, and
one on each side, a foot from the edge of the bed. The distance from
plant to plant in the rows should not be less than one foot; at this
distance, good-sized heads will be produced: but, if very large heads
are desired for exhibition or competition, the plants should be fifteen,
or even eighteen, inches asunder.
"The transplanting may be performed either in April or May. The
three-feet beds should be traced out to run east and west, or so as to
present the side of the bed to the direct action of the sun's rays when
they are most powerful. Asparagus, in beds so formed, pushes earlier in
the season than it does in beds running north and south. For all except
the earliest beds, the direction is immaterial; and they may run east
and west, or north and south, as may be most convenient.
"In proceeding to transplant, the beds, and paths, or alleys, should be
marked off at the required distance. A stout stake should be driven at
each corner of the beds, and from these the distances for the rows
should be measured. There are various ways of transplanting. Some
stretch a line, and cut out a trench only deep enough to allow the roots
to be laid out without doubling; and they are spread out like a fan
perpendicularly against the side of the cut, the crown of the plant
being kept two inches below the surface of the ground. Some dig out a
trench, and form little hillocks of fine soil, over which the roots are
spread, extending like the sticks of an umbrella. Others make a ridge,
astride which they set the plants, spreading their roots on each side of
the ridge; and, again, some take off a portion of the soil on the bed,
and, after the surface has been raked smooth, the roots of the plants
are spread out nearly at right angles on the level.
"The first method is the most expeditious, and is generally practised in
setting extensive plantations: but, whatever plan be preferred, the
crowns of the plants should all be on the same level; otherwise those
that are too high would be liable to be injured by the knife in
cutting."
During the summer, nothing will be necessary but to keep the plants
clear of weeds; and, in doing this, the hoe should be dispensed with as
much as possible, to avoid injuring the roots. In the autumn, when the
tops have completely withered, they should be cut down nearly level with
the surface of the ground, and burned. The beds should then be lightly
dug over, and three or four inches of rich loam, intermixed with
well-digested compost, and salt at the rate of two quarts to the square
rod, should be applied; which will leave the crowns of the roots about
five inches below the surface.
_Second Year._--Early in spring, as soon as the frost leaves the ground,
dig over the beds, taking care not to disturb the roots; rake the
surface smooth; and, during the summer, cultivate as before directed:
but none of the shoots should be cut for use. In the autumn, after the
stalks have entirely withered, cut down and burn as in the previous
year; stir the surface of the bed, and add an inch of soil and manure,
which will bring the crowns six or seven inches below ground,--a depth
preferred, by a majority of cultivators, for established plantations.
_Third Year._--Early in spring, stir the ground as directed for the two
previous years. Some cultivators make a slight cutting during this
season; but the future strength of the plants will be increased by
allowing the crop to grow naturally as during the first and second
years. In autumn, cut and burn as before; dig over the surface; add a
dressing of manure; and, in the ensuing spring, the beds may be cut
freely for use.
Instead of transplanting the roots, asparagus-beds are sometimes formed
by sowing the seeds where the plants are to remain. When this method is
adopted, the beds should be laid out and trenched, as before directed,
and about three inches of soil removed from the entire surface. The seed
should then be sown in drills an inch deep, at the distances marked out
for the rows, and covered with rich, light soil. When the seedlings are
two or three inches high, they should be thinned to nine or twelve
inches apart; and, in thinning, the weakest plants should be removed. In
the autumn, cut down the plants after they have withered, stir and
smooth the surface, and add a dressing of manure. In the spring of the
second year, stir the surface again; and, during the summer, cultivate
as before. In the autumn, the plants will be ready for the dressing;
which consists of the soil previously taken from the bed, with
sufficient well-digested compost added to cover the crowns of the roots
five or six inches in depth. The after-culture is similar to that of
beds from transplanted roots.
"Asparagus-beds should be enriched every autumn with a liberal
application of good compost containing some mixture of salt; the benefit
of which will be evident, not only in the quantity, but in the size and
quality, of the produce. The dressing should be applied after the
removal of the decayed stalks, and forked in, that its enriching
properties may be washed to the roots of the plants by winter rains.
"In general, transplanted Asparagus comes up quite slender the first
year; is larger the second; and, the third year, a few shoots may be fit
for cutting. It is nearly in perfection the fourth year; and, if
properly managed, will annually give an abundant supply during the life
of the maker of a bed or plantation."
_Cutting._--"The shoots should be cut angularly, from two to three
inches below the surface of the ground; taking care not to wound the
younger buds. It is in the best condition for cutting when the shoots
are four or five inches above ground, and while the head, or bud,
remains close and firm.
"It is the practice to cut off all the shoots as they appear, up to the
period when it is thought best to leave off cutting altogether. The time
for this depends on the climate, season, nature of the soil, and
strength of the plants. Where the climate is good, or when the season is
an early one, cutting must be commenced early; and of course, in such a
case, it ought not to be continued late, as the plants would thereby be
weakened."
In the Middle States, the cutting should be discontinued from the 10th
to the 15th of June; and from the 15th to the 25th of the same month in
the Eastern States and the Canadas.
"If the plants are weak, they should be allowed to grow up as early as
possible, to make foliage, and consequently fresh roots, and thus to
acquire more vigor for the ensuing year. It is also advisable to leave
off at an early period the cutting of some of the best of the beds
intended for early produce, in order that the buds may be well matured
early in autumn, and thus be prepared to push vigorously early in
spring."
Asparagus-beds will continue from twenty to thirty years; and there are
instances of beds being regularly cut, and remaining in good condition
for more than fifty years.
_Seed._--"Select some of the finest and earliest heads as they make
their appearance in the spring; tie them to stakes during the summer,
taking care not to drive the stake through the crown of the plant. If
for the market, or to be sent to a distance, wash out the seeds in
autumn, and dry thoroughly; if for home-sowing, allow the seeds to
remain in the berries till used."
_Use._--The young shoots are boiled twenty minutes or half an hour,
until they become soft; and are principally served on toasted bread,
with melted butter. It is the practice of some to boil the shoots
entire; others cut or break the sprout just above the more tough or
fibrous part, and cook only the part which is tender and eatable. This
is snapped or cut into small sections, which are boiled, buttered,
seasoned, and served on toast in the usual form. "The smaller sprouts
are sometimes cut into pieces three-eighths of an inch long, and cooked
and served as green pease." The sprouts are also excellent when made
into soup.
It is one of the most productive, economical, and healthful of all
garden vegetables.
_Varieties._--"The names of numerous varieties occur in the catalogues
of seedsmen: but there seems to be little permanency 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 the kinds, if important, is certainly not
permanent, so long as they are offered in the form of seeds for
propagation.
Mr. Grayson, the originator of this variety, produced a hundred sprouts,
the aggregate weight of which was forty-two pounds,--the largest ever
raised in Britain.
GERMAN.
Asperge d'Allemagne. _Vil._
This variety very nearly resembles the Giant Purple-topped. It is,
however, considered a little earlier, and the top is deeper colored.
GIANT PURPLE-TOP.
Dutch. Red-top.
Sprout white; the top, as it breaks ground, purple; size very large,
sometimes measuring an inch and three-fourths in diameter, but greatly
affected by soil and cultivation.
A hundred sprouts of this variety have been produced which weighed
twenty-five pounds.
GREEN-TOP.
This variety, when grown under the same conditions as the Giant
Purple-top, is generally smaller or more slender. The top of the
sprout, and the scales on the sides, are often slightly tinged with
purple. The plant, when full grown, is perceptibly more green than that
of the Giant Purple-top. From most nursery-beds, plants of both
varieties will probably be obtained, with every intervening grade of
size and color.
* * * * *
CARDOON.
Chardon. Chardoon. Cynara cardunculus.
In its general character and appearance, the Cardoon resembles the
Artichoke. Its full size is not attained until the second year, when it
is "truly a gigantic herbaceous plant," of five or six feet in height.
The flowers, which are smaller than those of the artichoke, are produced
in July and August of the second year, and are composed of numerous
small blue florets, enclosed by somewhat fleshy, pointed scales. The
seeds are oblong, a little flattened, of a grayish or grayish-green
color, spotted and streaked with deep brown; and, when perfectly grown,
are similar in size and form to those of the apple. About six hundred
are contained in an ounce; and they retain their vitality seven years.
_Soil, Propagation, and Culture._--The best soil for the Cardoon is a
light and deep but not over-rich loam. It is raised from seed; which, as
the plant is used in the first year of its growth and is liable to be
injured by the winter, should be sown annually, although the Cardoon is
really a perennial. It succeeds best when sown where the plants are to
remain; for, if removed, the plants recover slowly, are more liable to
run to seed, and, besides, seldom attain the size of those that have not
been transplanted.
The seed should be sown as early in spring as the weather becomes warm
and settled, in drills three feet apart, an inch and a half in depth,
and the young plants afterwards thinned to twelve inches asunder in the
drills. The leaves are blanched before being used.
It is sometimes raised and blanched as follows: Sow the seed at the
bottom of trenches made about six inches deep, twelve inches wide, three
feet apart, and of a length according to the supply required. At the
bottom of the trench, thoroughly mix a small quantity of well-digested
compost, and sow the seeds in small groups, or collections (three or
four seeds together), at about twelve or fifteen inches apart, and cover
them an inch or an inch and a half deep. When the young plants have
acquired three or four leaves, they should be thinned out to single
plants. During the summer, keep them free from weeds; and, as they
require much moisture, it is well to water frequently, if the weather is
very dry. In September, the plants will have attained their growth for
the season, and be ready for blanching; which should be done in a dry
day, and when the plants are entirely free from dampness. It is thus
performed: The leaves of each plant are carefully and lightly tied
together with strong matting; keeping the whole upright, and the ribs of
the leaves closely together. The plant is then bound with twisted
hay-bands, or bands of straw, about an inch and a half in diameter;
beginning at the root, and continuing the winding until two-thirds or
three-fourths of the height is covered. If there is no heavy frost, the
leaves will blanch quickly and finely without further pains: but, if
frosty weather occurs, it will be necessary to earth up about the
plants, as is practised with celery; but care should be taken not to
raise the earth higher than the hay-bands.
One method of blanching is simply to tie the leaves together with
matting, and then to earth up the plants from time to time like celery;
beginning early in September, and adding gradually every week until they
are sufficiently covered. Those, however, blanched by the banding
process, are superior, both in respect to color and in the greater
length of the parts blanched.
Another practice is to earth up a little about the base of the plant,
tie the leaves together with thread or matting, and then envelop the
whole quite to the top with a quantity of long, clean wheat or rye
straw, placed up and down the plant, and tied together with small cord
or strong matting. The leaves will thus blanch without being earthed up,
and speedily become white. This process is a good one, is economical,
and presents a neat appearance.
"In either of the methods, it is very necessary to be careful that the
plants are perfectly dry before they are enveloped in their covering:
they will otherwise rot." In about three weeks after being tied up, the
cardoons will be fit for use.
_Harvesting._--When the stems and midribs of the leaves are thoroughly
blanched, they are ready for use. Until the occurrence of severe
weather, the table may be supplied directly from the garden: but, before
the closing-up of the ground, "the plants should be taken up, roots and
leaves entire, and removed to the cellar; where they should be packed in
sand, laying the plants down in rows, and packing the sand around them,
one course over another, till finished. In this way, they not only keep
well, but become more perfectly blanched."
_To raise Seed._--Allow two or three plants to remain unblanched, and
leave them in the ground during the winter, protected by straw or other
convenient material. They will grow to the height, and flower and seed,
as before described. One plant will afford sufficient seed for any
common garden.
_Use._--"The stems of the leaves, as well as the mid-ribs, when
blanched, are used for soups, stews, and even for salads, in autumn and
winter. The longer these parts of the plant are, and the more rapidly
they are grown, the more they are esteemed, on account of their greater
crispness, tenderness, and color." The "Gardener's Chronicle" gives the
following directions for dressing them:--
"When a Cardoon is to be cooked, the solid stalks of the leaves are to
be cut in pieces about six inches long, and boiled, like any other
vegetable, in pure water (not salt and water), till they are tender.
They are then to be carefully deprived of the slime and strings that
will be found to cover them; and, having been thus thoroughly cleansed,
are to be plunged in cold water, where they must remain until they are
wanted for the table. They are then taken out, and heated with white
sauce, or marrow. The process just described is for the purpose of
rendering them white, and of depriving them of a bitterness which is
peculiar to them. If this is neglected, the cardoons will be black, not
white, as well as disagreeable." M'Intosh remarks, that, when skilfully
prepared, they form an excellent and wholesome dish, deserving far more
general notice.
In France, the flowers are gathered, and dried in the shade; and, when
so preserved, are used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk.
_Varieties._--
COMMON, OR LARGE SMOOTH. _Trans._
Smooth Large Solid. Plein Inerme. _Vil._
This kind grows from four to five feet high. The leaves are large and
strong, though somewhat smaller than those of the Tours or Prickly
Cardoon. They are of a shining-green color, with little appearance of
hoariness on the upper surface, and generally destitute of spines;
though some of the plants occasionally have a few small ones at the base
of the leaflets.
The Cardon _Plein Inerme_ of the French, which is described in the "Bon
Jardinier" as a novelty, corresponds nearly with the Large Smooth or
Common Cardoon.
LARGE SPANISH. _Trans._
D'Espagne. _Vil._
Stem five or six feet high. The divisions of the leaflets are rather
narrower, and somewhat more hoary, than those of the Common Cardoon.
The ribs are longer, and the whole plant stronger and generally more
spiny; though, on the whole, comparatively smooth. It is not, however,
always very readily distinguished from the Common or Large Smooth
Cardoon. It runs up to seed quicker than the other varieties.
PUVIS. _Thomp._
Artichoke-leaved. Lance-leaved. Puvis de Bourg. _Vil._
The Puvis Cardoon is remarkable for its strong growth, the large size it
attains, and the thickness of the mid-ribs of the leaves, which are
almost solid. The leaves are thick, and not at all prickly, or very
slightly so. The terminal lobe is very large, and lance-formed: whence
the name. It is a fine variety, and of more tender substance than the
Tours Cardoon.
RED. _Trans._
Blood-ribbed. Red-stemmed. _Thomp._ Large Purple.
The leaves of this variety are green, without any hoariness; long,
narrow, and more sharply pointed than those of most of the other kinds.
The ribs are large, solid, and tinged with red. A recent sort, excellent
in quality, but wanting in hardiness.
TOURS. _Trans._
Large Tours Solid. Cardon de Tours. _Vil._
The leaves of this variety are very hoary on the upper surface; the
divisions are broad, sharply pointed, and terminate with rigid, sharp
spines. Spines also grow, in clusters of from three to five, at the base
of the leaflets; and are very strong, and of a yellowish color. This
variety is not so tall as the Spanish or Large Smooth. The ribs are
large and solid.
The Tours Cardoon is cultivated by the market-gardeners around Paris;
and, notwithstanding the inconvenience arising from its numerous and
rigid spines, it is considered by them as the best, because of its
thick, tender, and delicate ribs.
* * * * *
THE HOP.
Humulus lupulus.
The Hop is considered a native of this continent, and is found wild in
all parts of the United States. The root is perennial, but the stems are
annual. The latter are from ten to twenty-five feet in length, angular,
rough, and twine from right to left. The leaves are placed opposite each
other on the stem, on long, winding footstalks: the smaller ones are
heart-shaped; the larger ones three or five lobed, veiny, and rough. The
barren and fertile flowers are produced on separate plants: the former
being very numerous and paniculated; the latter in the form of an ament,
or collection of small scales, which are more or less covered with a
fine, yellow powder called "lupulin."
While several distinct sorts of the fertile or hop-bearing plant have
been long in cultivation, only one variety of the male or barren plant
is known.
_Soil and Location._--Though it may be cultivated with success in a
variety of soils, the Hop prefers a rich, deep loam, which should be
thoroughly ploughed, and, if necessary, enriched with well-digested
compost. In general, it may be said that "good corn-land is good
hop-land." Hops, however, are reputed to be of better quality when
raised on comparatively thin soils.
_Propagation and Culture._--It is propagated by a division of the roots
early in spring. When extensively cultivated, the plants are set in
hills, five to seven feet apart, and three or four cuttings or slips
allowed to a hill; but in garden culture, to procure the young shoots,
the plants are set in rows about three feet apart, and one foot from
plant to plant in the rows.
_Use._--The plant is principally cultivated for its flowers, which are
largely employed in the manufacture of malt liquors. The young shoots
are cut in spring, when they are five or six inches in height, and eaten
as salad, or used as asparagus, which they somewhat resemble in taste.
* * * * *
HOOSUNG, OR OOSUNG. _Hov. Mag._
A lettuce-like plant from Shanghai. Stems cylindrical, from two to three
feet high, erect, light green, with a green, succulent pith; leaves
oblong, tapering to the base, the uppermost clasping; the flowers are
small, yellow, in panicles slightly drooping. If sown in April or May,
the plants will ripen their seed in August.
_Sowing and Cultivation._--Sow in a cool frame, in either April or May,
or continuously, for a succession, at intervals during May, and
transplant into the open ground in the usual manner of treating
lettuces; making the rows about eighteen inches apart, and placing the
plants about the same distance apart in the rows. The plants will be fit
for use early in June.
_Use._--The succulent stem is the part used. This is divested of its
outer rind, and either simply boiled, with a little salt in the water,
and dressed as asparagus, or stewed in soy, with salt, pepper, and
butter added, or boiled in soup as okra. It is a very agreeable and
pleasant addition to the list of vegetable esculents, and worthy of
trial.
The plant is very little cultivated; and there are no described
varieties.
* * * * *
PERENNIAL PHYTOLACCA.
Garget. Poke. Pigeon Berry. Phytolacca decandra.
A hardy, herbaceous, perennial plant, common by roadsides, in waste
places, and springing up spontaneously on newly burned pine-lands. It
has a branching, purplish stem, five to seven feet in height; and large,
oval, pointed, entire leaves. The flowers are produced in July and
August, in long clusters; and are of a dull-white color. The fruit
consists of a flat, purple, juicy berry; and is sometimes used for
dyeing purple.
_Soil and Culture._--It will thrive in almost any soil or situation; and
can be easily propagated from seed, or by dividing the roots. The plant
requires little cultivation, and is so abundant in many localities as to
afford an ample supply for the mere labor of gathering.
_Use._--The young shoots are eaten early in the season, as a substitute
for asparagus, which they resemble in taste. When treated in the manner
of sea-kale, the flavor of the sprouts is scarcely distinguishable from
that of asparagus. The root has reputed important medicinal properties;
and, when taken internally, acts as a violent emetic.
ANNUAL PHYTOLACCA.
Phytolacca esculenta.
An annual species, with foliage similar to the foregoing. It is much
less vigorous and stocky in habit. The seed should be sown in April, in
drills fifteen inches apart. The young shoots, or plants, are used in
the manner of the species before described.