The weather during the latter part of May being very warm and dry, gave many crops in vegetable gardens an appearance of distress. Slight showers have fallen at the end of the month and refreshed various things; but with us no roots eight inches in the soil have had rain since the first week of March, and the ground now turns up hard and dry at the middle of June. Though water and hydrants are at hand, we have not had time to use moisture sufficient to give a thorough soaking. We always advise leaving it alone if it cannot be done effectually. We know of much damage done already by the inexperienced, by dribbling surfaces frequently, while the feeders were almost roasted. Potatoes are well up and looking well. Onions, Parsnips, and Beet, among roots, are fair. Turnips and Radishes, among Potatoes and other crops, are not amiss. Spinach, between Potatoes, is extra good. On very heavy land, the seed covered with rich and fine soil and afterwards dusted with fine ashes, has been well protected. Lettuce between Pea rows 10 feet apart, and the ground extra rich, have been unusually fine. Carrots are very shabby, and many blanks among them. Cauliflowers have been difficult to deal with. Celery has been troublesome.

Mulching with grass-mowings and soakings of water are telling well on the plants.

No time need be lost in planting out Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, and all the Brassica in the seed-list. If the ground has to be cleared of Potato crops, etc, it is well to have the plants safe on any spare ground, so that they may lift easily and be transplanted firmly in their permanent quarters. Cabbage may be sown in late northern quarters - from the middle to the end of the month is early enough; further south, a good plantation for autumn may be planted out any time during the month. The Rosette Colewort is always a favourite, and very hardy. Celery for early crops should be well earthed up and have liberal soakings of water. Manure - water will give crisp and tender produce. Prick out latest successions on firmly-beaten and well-rotted manure, with two or three inches of soil over the surface. Shade the seedlings from strong sun : red kinds are generally the most hardy, and the flavour is considered by many to be the best. Carrots of the "Horn" class may be sown for drawing young. Endive and Lettuce may now be sown for main crops. Plenty of Batavian Endive is of much service. Sow every fortnight in breadths equal to the demand. These require deep, rich, and well-broken soil to have them fine.

Sow Lettuce which are known to be favourites : some prefer Cabbage kinds to Cos, but it is well to plant a few of each to meet all tastes. Mustard and Cress of sorts must be sown often on well-moistened ground; if in the shade, so much the better. Peas may be sown in early sheltered positions. Early kinds are most suitable, but seldom in cold districts are Peas to be had sown later than June. Dwarf kinds, to be covered by frames and protectors, may be sown on early borders during the month. Dwarf French Beans may also be treated in this way, but in warm southern districts we have seen them come in useful after being sown in August. Plant Leeks in rich, deeply dug soil. Sow Parsley for winter; thin earlier lots and plant the thinnings.

Turnips, such as White Stone, Strap Leaf, and American Red Stone, may be sown in larger breadths - after Potatoes is suitable. Spinach may be sown twice during the month in larger breadths. Prickly Spinach may be sown for early winter supply at the end of the month. Cleanliness, mulching, watering, hoeing, and pronging, are matters of great moment at this season. Gherkins, Ridge Cucumbers, and Vegetable Marrows need training, thinning, and watering often. Crowding is ruinous to them all. Tomatoes require frequent attention to thinning off lateral growths, and keeping the fruit thinned. M. T.