Our last paper was written when drought was accompanied by cold "nor'-easters," and to-night (11th May) we seem much under the same influence, only vegetation is more advanced, and consequently suffering from the trying weather. The advantageous effects of mulching are very visible wherever we were fortunate enough to have the means to apply it to surfaces. Globe Artichokes, which were well protected with dry litter, have done better than we anticipated : wherever they are springing up thickly, and likely to become crowded, a general thinning should take place, and good suckers with "heels" on them planted in rows for future supplies - a late supply may be had when the first lot is past for the season. Jerusalem Artichokes, which are cultivated in the slovenly system of allowing the crop to be had from the remains of last season's supply where they escaped being lifted, may require thinning and regulating; then a free use of the fork over the surface. Yearly plantations are always the best, treated as one would Potatoes. Asparagus should now be at its best.

Some differ in opinion as to when cutting should cease; as it has been generally late this year, we would proportionately cut late, - say to end of June, - taking all as it comes, then leaving the crowns to grow unmolested if they are regular as to distance. On light dry soil salt may be applied, but we have little faith in its application on heavy, wet, or cold land; though the effect of salt is good by the sea-shore in poor sandy soil. More Beans and Peas should be sown. Where the former are wanted late, which is not often, sowings may be made to end of month; but Peas are always desirable at any season, and may be sown till end of month in most districts with fair success. Some sow in open ground till 10th or 12th July, and then follow up with successions of dwarfs in pits. Mulch and water them; to keep in the moisture, a quantity of dry soil may be drawn over the damp surface to prevent evaporation. Early kinds should be chosen for late sowings. Full crops of French Leans may be sown; they should have well-prepared rich soil. Scarlet Runners should be staked by those who adopt this system before they fall over; but when kept as dwarfs, they require picking frequently, and the young growths stopped.

Sow for late crops, Broccoli, such as Snow's and Osborn's; and plant out without delay those which are of good size, with the view of lifting them to be placed in turf pits or other protection during severe weather. July is early enough for general plantations; all the Broccoli may be planted into stove-beds of rather firm soil, and transplanted when wanted to fill up ground from which Potatoes and other crops have been lifted. Brussels Sprouts, Cab-bage, Cauliflower, Savoy, Kale, and any other of the Brassica family, may be planted where wanted to stand permanently. Draw drills and water the plants well at the root when they are placed in the soil; the past winter has taught many lessons on these points. Hardy green crops have been of extra value this season, and should be well prepared to meet another severe season should one come. Crowding is much against their wellbeing. Red Cabbage planted now, will in most districts be in good order for pickling at the right time. Small heads are generally best coloured. Cabbage may be planted thickly, and when they are ready for use every alternate one may be cut out, and a crop left.

Early Cabbage should be well hoed and mulched after they are cut, and they will throw out sprouts tender and plentifully; these are in most cases valued more than fine-grown Cabbage. Cauliflower turning in may have the leaves tied over the hearts instead of breaking them down, and if the heads are turning in too quick, lift a quantity and take them, "root and branch" to a cool cellar to retard them till they can be used.

Carrots, Parsnips, and Beet may be thinned; the two latter may have the thinnings planted for crops should such be desirable; they require puddling in soil and water as thick as paint, drills drawn, well watered, and the young plants nicely planted. Sow Turnips every ten or twelve days; they may be sown in larger breadths than heretofore. When soil is dry, a good soaking may be given the night before, and the sowing done first thing the next morning. Guano sprinkled in the drills is a good old practice in starting the plants quickly and growing them out of the reach of "fly." Good kinds are Red and White Stone, Strap Leaf, and Snowball. Parsley, sow for late crops, and transplant thinnings of early sowings; these stand the winter best. Radishes may be sown often, and in every respect treated like Turnips; French Breakfast is always welcome as a fine mild kind; long red, white, and red Turnip kinds will meet all wants. Shading till they are coming up is of much advantage. Mustard, Golden - curled, and American Cress, may be sown among bushes or in shade of hedge or wall often, to meet the demand, if it is in much request. A pinch of Endive may be sown at end of month in the shade.

Lettuce may be sown where it is to grow; the thinnings can be planted in rich soil, in the shade, for a succession - larger quantities may now be sown. Leeks may be planted in rich soil. To have them finely blanched, trenches to hold 3 to 6 rows heavily manured, may be formed, and the young plants planted and treated like Celery, where they are grown rough and ready. Sown where they are to remain, they may be thinned, and mulching placed between the rows. Celery may be pricked out ready for main crops, and plants ready may be planted in the trenches at once, and well watered. Potatoes may be thinned in the stems if they are thick; the size and quality of the tubers are thus improved. A free use of hoe or fork among them is of great moment in helping them along. Cut seed-stalks from Rhubarb and Seakale before they do mischief. Sow Salsify, Scorzonera, and Chicory as required to supply the demand, and thin to a foot apart or more. Spinach, to be of service, must be sown often, and in the shade if possible. Mushrooms are now liable to be attacked by "fly," and maggots will appear and render them useless. Ridge Cucumbers, Gherkins, and Vegetable Marrows may be planted as early as possible if not done; if protected with band-lights so much the better.

Shade them from bright sun till they are in full growth. Those started on gentle beds of fermenting material, such as leaves and manure, will fruit long before those unaided. Marrows, however, do best as to quantity when they are planted in a solid bank of good soil, making a small pit, and filling it with turfy loam to start them in. Surface stirring, cleaning, mulching, and watering, will now demand much attention. Either give a good soaking of water, and have done with it for a time, or let it alone.

M. T.