52 KITCHEN-GARDENING. 



over them, to defend them from the sun and rain, in order that 

 the heads or pulps may be close, and of their natural color. 



Plants from the autumn sowing will generally succeed best ; 

 but good Cauliflowers are sometimes produced from seed sown 

 in a hotbed towards the end of January, or early in Febru 

 ary. Great pains must be taken to have the bed in good con 

 dition to receive the seed. When the plants are up, they must 

 have air every mild day, and as they progress in growth, they 

 should have as much air as possible, consistent with their pre 

 servation ; but the beds must be kept covered up every night, 

 as long as there is any danger of frost. When the plants are 

 three or four inches high, they must be pricked out three or 

 four inches apart into another bed ; and by the latter end of 

 April they may be transplanted into the ground, and treated 

 in every respect the same as the other. 



In the early part of May, Cauliflower-seed may be sown in 

 the open border, in drills, as recommended for Broccoli. One 

 ounce of seed will produce about four thousand plants. These 

 plants should be pricked out in June, and transplanted into 

 good ground early in July, to flower in autumn. Those that 

 are not likely to flower by the last of October, should be 

 taken up and provided for in the manner recommended for 

 Broccoli. 



Cauliflower as well as Broccoli, should be gathered while 

 the pulp is close and perfect. After having trimmed off some 

 of the outside leaves, let them be boiled in plenty of water 

 seasoned with salt, taking care to skim it, and also to ease the 

 cover of the pot, so as not to confine the steam. Take them 

 up as soon as the fork will enter the stems easily, which will 

 be in from ten to twenty minutes, according to their size and 

 age. Drain them, so as to make them susceptible of absorbing 

 a due proportion of gravy or melted butter. This renders 

 them a palatable and dainty dish. 



Many persons are apt to forget, that the successful cultiva 

 tion of Cauliflower depends on the particular seasons in which 

 the plants are raised and set out. Consequently, instead of 



