72 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



stems, which form the thick white "head" of the plant. 

 Cauliflower is difficult to grow, a "fastidious vegetable," 

 "one of those crops in the culture of which the unskilled 

 amateur is liable to stumble upon success, and the more 

 experienced professional to meet with failure." (Greiner, 

 in Cyclopedia of American Horticulture.) Proper soil, 

 a favorable summer (the element of chance), careful 

 cultivation, extermination of pests, and good seed, 

 should give success with Cauliflower. The crop grows 

 well in certain localities (the eastern coast, near Puget 

 Sound, and near the Great Lakes), where it gets the con- 

 ditions of moist and cool air which it requires. Else- 

 where great pains are taken to grow Cauliflower in two 

 crops, one maturing before, and the other heading after 

 the heat of midsummer. For these there is also a choice 

 of varieties, the earlier being best for the first crop. 

 Well handled, even the seedlings of Cauliflower are 

 fairly hardy, while the mature plants will stand severe 

 frosts. The plant, like the cabbage, should be kept 

 growing by means of a constant supply of moisture, or 

 the head will "button," or "bolt." When the heads 

 have formed, the leaves should be tied together over 

 them to keep off the sun or rain. Breaking the leaves 

 down over the head is not thoroughly effective. It is 

 essential to good Cauliflower culture that the cabbage- 

 worms be kept from the plant, or their excreta will ruin 

 the head, however perfect it may otherwise be. Seed 

 for the Cauliflower should be of the very best. Since an 



