an early supply the seed must be raised in heat.  It may be sown in pots or pans at the end of March or beginning of April.  Transfer the seedlings to small pots immediately they are large enough, and gradually harden in preparation for removal to the open ground towards the end of May.  They should be put into light soil in a sunny position, and be allowed three or four feet apart each way.  It is not unusual to grow them on a heap of discarded potting soil, where they can ramble without restraint.  The growth is rapid, and there must be no stint of water in dry weather.  In five or six weeks the first lot of tender shoots will be ready for pinching off.  Those who do not care to incur trouble under glass may sow in the open in the early part of May, and thin the plants to the distance named.

==Perpetual Spinach, or Spinach Beet== (=Beta Cicla=).—­A valuable plant for producing a regular supply of leaves which make an excellent Spinach at a period of the year when the ordinary Summer Spinach is past its prime.  Although it is a true Beet, the roots are worthless, and there should be liberal treatment to insure an abundant growth of leaves.  Seed may be sown from March to the end of July or beginning of August, in rows one foot apart.  Thin the plants to a distance of six or eight inches in the rows.  When the leaves are ready for gathering, they must be removed, whether wanted or not, to promote continuous growth.

==Orache== is frequently used as a substitute for Spinach where the ordinary variety fails.  Seed should be sown during the spring months, and as the plant frequently attains a height of five feet allow a distance of at least three feet in each direction for development.  Red Orache is useful for growing in ornamental borders, but it is not so suitable for culinary purposes as the white variety.  The leaves only are eaten.

==Stachys tuberifera==

This vegetable is commonly known as the Chinese Artichoke, and from the peculiar form it is also called Spirals.  A wide difference of opinion exists as to its value, but in its favour the fact may be stated that tubers are often exhibited in the finest collections of vegetables staged for competition.

The time for planting is early spring, in rows eighteen inches apart, allowing a distance of nine inches in the rows.  The proper depth is four inches.  The roots are quite hardy and the crop gives no trouble.  After planting it is only necessary to keep the plot free from weeds.

The tubers do not mature until late in autumn, and as far as possible it is advisable to lift them when they are wanted.  Should it be necessary for any reason to clear the ground, the Stachys must be covered with soil.  When exposed to light and air they soon become discoloured and are then unfit for cooking.  It is usual to boil them in the same manner as Potatoes, but the finish must be by steam alone.  An agreeable variation consists in frying the boiled roots with butter until slightly brown, when the dish is considered by many connoisseurs to be very delicious and suitable for serving with poultry or joint.