In early positions Peas and Beans may be coming through the ground this month. When this is the case, more soil may be drawn over them, or a quantity of coal-ashes placed along the rows, which keeps slugs off, as well as affords protection. Timely staking of Pease is advantageous, especially if they are exposed to easterly or northerly winds. Evergreens placed along the rows in small pieces also do good service. Those who have not the better means of raising their early Peas and Beans under glass in turf, tiles, boxes, etc, require to be all the more attentive to their crops when exposed to so many evils in the open ground. Mice and other vermin are in some places very destructive. Traps are perhaps as effectual means of getting rid of the pests as anything. Poison should be used carefully, and in a way that pheasants, domestic fowls, dogs, etc, cannot reach it. While it is necessary to get the manure-yard cleared as early as possible (to make room for leaves, and all kinds of material for future use), we would not recommend to lay the manure down at random, simply because the space was vacant, but judge how the ground was prepared last season, and what amount of crop it carried.

Where plenty of manure was given to the last crop, the ground after being well trenched may be in capital order for such crops as Potatoes, Turnips, Beet, and Carrots. A good quantity of the best manure should be kept in reserve for Leeks, Celery, Lettuce, Cauliflower, etc., as they are likely to be grown next year on ground now in crop. Brussels Sprouts and Late Broccolis stand till far in the season, and come in well for some of the more important crops. Changing the crops as much as possible, we maintain, is of much importance. Though a season or two may not show any difference in well-worked ground, which has been well supplied with manure, in time it tells, when crop after crop of the same kind is grown, roots especially, and Potatoes not the least. In a district in this locality, where Carrots are grown extensively and good, the cultivators never attempt to grow their crops two years running; experience has taught them a lesson. In a cottager's garden near this, Potatoes, after being many years grown on the same ground, refused to grow; change of seed and trenching did no good; but we have planted (for experiment) the ground this season with Kale, Leeks, Brussels Sprouts, and Cabbage, and the crops are excellent both for bulk and quality.

We agree on the whole with "the Squire's Gardener's" remarks as to cropping (see last month's 'Gardener'). Plenty of manure and command of labour will surmount many difficulties, while in its absence there are many failures. Market-gardeners' motto is, "Plenty in and plenty out." They are aware that they could not make ends meet if manure and labour were not at command. Having been in my youth employed in market establishments around London, I know that they are the most systematic class of cultivators with whom I am acquainted, and rotation of crops and double cropping at the same time they practise almost to a fault; but their highly cultivated ground refuses to grow nothing, even though through economy they may plant one crop of Lettuce, Cauliflower, or French Beans, on the ground where a crop of the same kind was just cleared off. They are not like growers who have to wait till the crop is taken off in small quantities, and a great many successions are necessary to give supplies as they are wanted in private establishments. Market-gardening is more allied to farming than kitchen-gardening in private establishments. Asparagus ground may now be prepared; deep sandy loam, well manured, and a well-drained position, suit this vegetable.

In heavy wet soil good heads are produced, but often in it (through the crowns not ripening in autumn) the roots die off. Endive, Lettuce, and Broccoli, not protected, will be in danger of frost. If taken into sheds, cellars, or anywhere, they will keep for some time, and be of great value for some time to come. Turf-pits, or pits sunk in the ground with wooden covers, are of much value at this season, and can be easily made by any handy labourer. If weather should stop operations in the ground, roots should be looked over, large labels made for crops in the vegetable garden, pea-stakes may be made and packed flatly and closely together, manure and soils turned over, gravel sifted and prepared for walks, seeds cleaned when worth the labour (and as it is so difficult to get some things true, it is in such cases worth while savingsomeof them). Everything ought to be done to keep labour forward in spring. Successions of Rhubarb, Sea-kale, and Chicory should be taken in as formerly advised. Sowings of small Salad may now be kept up where there is heat of any kind; fresh air, however, is necessary to give it flavour. Sea-Kale, Rhubarb, and anything in the ground to be lifted, should be protected with ashes or litter.

Where leaves, manure, or other material is used for heat, look well after it in changeable weather.

M. T.