

IXTEODUCTIOX 



The cauliflower is one of the minor vegetables 

 which is now attracting more than ordinary atten- 

 tion in this country, and being grown with remark- 

 able success and profit in a few localities which 

 ^ have been found to be particularly adapted to it. 

 p With most of oui* gardeners, however, it is still 

 Q" considered a very uncertain and unprofitable crop. 

 - This is due not only to the peculiar requirements 

 ^^ of the cauliflower as to soil and climate, but also to 

 Z^ the want of familiarity on the part of most Ameri- 

 ^ can gardeners with modern varieties and with 

 ,^ methods of cultivation adapted to our climate. 



; For a number of years, while engaged in market 



^ gardening and fruit growing in Western Michigan, 



i the writer made a specialty of raising cauliflowers 



^ for the Grand Eapids and Chicago markets, planting 



^ from three to five acres a year. During this time 



fy^ most of the varieties offered by American seedsmen 



f^^ were tested, and the best methods of cultivation 



^^ sought. On the whole, the cauliflower crop was 



C^i found more profitable than any other, with the 



CC possible exception of peaches. There were partial 



<;-jiailures, but these were due to causes which might 



