C22 GARDEN MANAGEiIE^•T. 



open spot, but sheltered from the north. An old celery or asparagus- 

 bed, from which the plants have been lifted for forcing, is excellent : if none 

 such is at liberty, let the ground be Tvell trenched, three feet deep, and 

 manured witli good rotten dung, thoroughly incorporated with the soil in 

 digging, bearing in mind that the delicacy and freshness of the vegetable 

 depend on its rapid and vigorous growth when once started. On the ground 

 thus prepared plant the young seedlings 2h feet apart each way. 



903. The after-cultivation is very simple : careful weeding, stirring the soil 

 from time to time with the hoe, and drawing the earth about their roots, and 

 copious watering at the roots in dry weather, include the necessary routine. 



904. The autumn-sown plants are usually pricked out xmder frames fcr 

 protection during winter, keeping them clear of weeds and decaying leaves, 

 stirring the soil occasionally, and giving plenty of air in fine weather, 

 protecting them from frost and rain. As they advance, and begin to head 

 underhand or bell-glasses, every opportunity should be taken of giving air: 

 in severe weather, protect the frames and hand-glasses by packing Utter round 

 them. 



905. When the heads begin to appear, shade them from sun and rain by 

 breaking down some of the larger leaves, so as to cover it. Water in dry- 

 weather, pre'vaously forming the earth into a basin round the stem, and pour 

 the water into the roots, choosing the evening in mild weather for so doing, and 

 the morning when the air is frosty. 



906. Jlr, Henry Baily, of Nuneham Park, a well-known authority, trans- 

 plants his autumn seedhngs, as soon as they have made a few roots, into 60- 

 sized pots, which he places in an open airy frame, or other sheltered place 

 having facilities for protecting them from frost. As they fill the smaller pots 

 with their roots, they are transplanted into larger ones, taking care that the 

 roots never get matted in their pots ; and early in February the first crop 

 is placed out on a south border, the holes prepared for them having received 

 a barrowful of thoroughly rotted dung, over which the mould is replaced, 

 forming a little hillock on which the cauliflowers are planted. They are 

 covered with the hand-glass till thoroughly established. By pursuing this 

 course, Mr. Baily tells us (Hort. Trans, v. 103), all check on the vigorous 

 growth of the plant is avoided, while the tendency to increased luxuriance so 

 necessary in plants whose leaves or flowers are eaten, is encouraged. 



907. After planting out, copious waterings should be given in the mornings 

 in dull, cloudy weather, or in the evenings after bright sunshine. 



908. On the approach of winter, the plants in flower may be taken up with 

 as much earth at their roots as possible, and planted, or rather laid in by 

 the roots, and lying on their sides, in a hght sandy soil, in some warm, sheltered 

 place, where the frost can be excluded. In such a shed or frame they may 

 be kept fresh and in condition for many weeks. Mr. Drummond, of the Cork 

 Botanic Gardens, dug pits in the common soil, planting the cauliflowers in 

 it, and covering them with frames of long wheat straw, tied together in small 

 bundles, as directed for reeds in par. 718, giving them air in fine weather. 



