Occupations > Abercrombie's improved practical gardener; with a monthly calendar for the flower garden

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ROCOHBOLB
that lives longer than one year contains in itself,
during winter, all the sap or vegetable blood
which it expends in the .spring in the formation
Of its first foliage and flower-stems; and neither
food nor light is wanted to enable it to protrude
them, but simply heat and water; and if the
root be removed as seon as its leaves decay, it
will vegetate as strongly after being replanted as
if it had retained its first position.
Taking the Crop.
In gathering the leaves a little soil should be
removed from about the roots, then taking hold
of the leaf-stalk, and bending it down, give it a
smart twitch sideways, and it will slip off close
to the root without breaking, which is a much
better way than cutting them off.
Saving Seed.
If any of the strongest flower-stems are left
they will produce ripe seed in July or August.
ROCOMBOLE
This is a perennial plant, with compound bulbs
like garlic, but the leaves are smaller.
Use.
The cloves are used in the manner of garlic,
and nearly for the same purpose, but considered
milder.