20 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



marked advance on the others. In this way a good strain 

 is secured. There can be no question but that the 

 Holborn Exhibition Sprout is a great favourite both in 

 the field and garden, for it is productive, very hardy, 

 and not gross, the plants running from two to three feet, 

 according to the soil, and to when sown. Another very 

 fine variety is Market Favourite, of medium growth and 

 producing fine compact sprouts with splendid flavour. 

 For many years the imported seed had a great hold on 

 the British gardener, but I consider that our own seed 

 houses have a much better type, and a very reliable one. 

 For early sowing, either in autumn or early in the year, 

 I do not know of any variety that can excel the Sutton 

 Matchless, one of the most shapely sprouts grown, 

 remarkably hardy and of splendid quality. The Dwarf 

 Gem may be termed a villa garden variety. The solid 

 build of the plant and its close growth make it most 

 valuable where room is none too plentiful. It is most 

 useful for latest supplies, and not so soon injured as are 

 larger varieties in bad winters. Kelway's Prolific is also 

 good and handy. 



SPINACH 



This cannot be called a popular vegetable in small 

 gardens, but few vegetables are more deserving of 

 space, as it can be grown so readily, and is often advised 

 for those who cannot digest more solid vegetables. 

 With a little management spinach can be had all the 

 year round, though there are difficult seasons, such 

 as the early spring. At times the winter checks 

 growth, as north-east winds after frost shrivel up the 

 soft, tender leaves. But there is no difficulty in having 

 good spinach from May till July. In July and August, 

 heat and drought are not conducive to good growth. 

 The plant will not thrive with moisture lacking, but at 



