432 VILLA GARDENING part v 



late planting. I grew a running form of the dwarf French Bean 

 called Premier a few years ago ; it grew about 5 feet high, and 

 was very productive. I have tried to obtain it from several seed- 

 houses since, but without success. I look upon it as a desirable 

 Bean to grow, and hope that it is not lost. 



CHAPTER VIII 



The Cauliflower. — This is a summer and autumn vegetable, 

 and at that season fills the position occupied by the Broccoli in winter 

 and spring. The most valuable crops are the early ones in spring 

 and the late productions of autumn. In summer tliey are frequently 

 unsatisfactory during hot weather, and, at any rate when Peas and 

 French Beans are plentiful, they are not so much in demand. 



The first sowing is in a general way made about the 25th of 

 August, the time being varied according to latitude, as experience 

 may direct. In some places the first week in September may be 

 early enough. Select an open situation where the land is in good 

 condition from a previous manuring. If the weather is hot and 

 the land very dry, stir the surface for a foot or so in depth with 

 the fork, and give water enough to moisten it. Draw drills 9 

 inches apart, and sow the seeds (which should have been obtained 

 from a good source) thinly. Cover with nets to keep off birds ; 

 and if the weather continues hot shade a little by laying a few 

 branches with the leaves attached over the net. It may not be 

 necessary in any but extreme cases to adopt this treatment ; but 

 in dry autumns a little extra trouble will hasten the germination 

 of the seed and add to the strength of the plants. As soon 

 as they are up and large enough to move safely (which will be 

 early in November), prepare one or more frames by placing a layer 

 of coal-ashes in the bottom ; and on the ashes, which shoiUd be 

 beaten down firmly with the back of the spade, i)lace 5 inches of 

 light rich soil. Into the bed so formed dibble the plants 3 inches 

 apart, and give water to settle the soil round them. During the 

 winter the frames should be fully ventilated when the weather is 

 mild, keeping out cold rains. In times of severe frost scatter a 

 little dry litter or Fern over the lights. Sometimes Cauliflower 

 plants pass through the winter safely pricked out at the foot of a 

 south wall, or on the south side of a thick hedge, sheltered in severe 

 weather by placing evergreen branches among them. Another way of 

 raising early plants, and an excellent one (I can speak from experi- 

 ence, having practised it for many years), is to sow in heat about 

 the first of January, and treat the plants as we should tender 



