CHAP. X VILLA GARDENING 443 



of February, and as soon as they are large enough prick them out 

 in a sheltered situation out-of-doors. Temporary protection with 

 glass frames, if convenient, will be desirable. Plant out finally in 

 the first week in June, the rows to be 3 feet, and the plants 2 feet 

 apart in the rows. The land for all kitchen-garden crops should be 

 well done. Though I may not on every occasion lay particular 

 stress on the importance of this matter, it should be understood as 

 being implied. 



The Successional Plantings may take place as land becomes 

 vacant, and if the plants are in danger of becoming too crowded in 

 the seedbed, draw some out and plant 6 inches apart — to be trans- 

 planted afterwards when convenient. There is no danger of having 

 too many Brussels Sprouts, especially during a cold winter, and 

 therefore my advice is — Plant all you can find room for. I have 

 seen them do well between the rows of early Potatoes, and, in short, 

 I plant anywhere with the certainty that something useful will 

 come of it. As a catch-crop, even when put out late, they come in 

 useful in spring ; and the young shoots, which are thrown off by 

 the stems, when the button-like Sprouts have all been gathered, 

 are tender and succulent. The later plantings will not, of course, 

 need so much room as the early lot, for they will not attain to such 

 a development. There has been a tendency of late years to prefer 

 and extravagantly praise the large-sprouted varieties, but I confess 

 I like the medium-sized Sprouts best. As a rule, in the case of 

 vegetables of all kinds, the very large specimens are often coarse 

 and strong in flavoiu'. In late districts, and for an early autumn 

 crop, a few seeds shoidd be sown in September. I have, however, 

 given up the autumn sowing, not finding it necessary for our wants 

 to continue it. Still there are situations where it may be desirable 

 to practise it, and plants raised in autumn are a long way in front 

 of those raised in March. 



Saving Seeds. — The seed of the Brussels Sprout is one of the 

 few things I save, and I recommend others to preserve a good strain 

 when they get hold of it. There is no occasion to save seeds more 

 than once in five or six years if they are kept dry. Save only 

 from true well-selected plants. 



Varieties. — I have already referred to the Aigburgh, and every 

 respectable seed-merchant offers reliable strains ; but still there is 

 more deterioration visible in this jDlant, if great care is not used, 

 than there is in most things. Sutton's Matchless is a good strain. 

 Covent Garden, when true, is also good. 



