During 1 Queen Victoria's Reign. 9 



flowers, was brought to notice, and has done good service. After this came Adams's 

 Early, Wilcove Late White, Dilcock's Bride and White Sprouting. In later years, 

 Broccoli with heads of closer and whiter texture have appeared, including Leaming- 

 ton (still one of the best), Perfection, and Late Queen. Great improvements have 

 been made in Purple Sprouting Broccoli by selection, and it is now possible to grow 

 three distinct types, the earliest of which is available for use at Christmas, the 

 ordinary type following, and lastly a late selection of more compact growth and 

 better-coloured sprouts. The hardiness of these strains is an important feature, 

 and their popularity must continue. 



In the late Broccoli it has been difficult to retain lateness without in some degree 

 sacrificing colour and quality, but I am pleased to note that a late Broccoli which 

 continues good in quality longer than any variety with which I am acquainted, 

 and with heads in every way equal to an autumn Cauliflower, is already in existence, 

 and will certainly become deservedly popular. By these late as well as the extra 

 early selections there is now no difficulty in having a succession of good Broccoli 

 and Cauliflower throughout the year. 



CAULIFLOWERS 



are scarcely to be surpassed for delicacy of flavour when properly cooked. Three 

 types were grown in 1837, the Early, Late, and Asiatic. These were followed by 

 the Stadtholder, Walcheren, Snowball, Erfurt, and Veitch's Autumn Giant. As 

 Cauliflower seed can seldom be successfully grown in England, we are indebted 

 chiefly to Dutch, German, and Italian specialists for most of the improvements 

 made, and with the finest types of the Dwarf Erfurt section, such as Snowball and 

 First Crop, at one end, and the early and late selections of the Italian Giant varieties 

 at the other, we can extend the supply over a very much longer period than was 

 possible sixty years ago. A head of Cauliflower 36 to 38 inches in circumference, 

 of perfect quality, was a thing unheard of in 1837, but it is by no means uncommon 

 to-day. 



KALES. 



The great diversity in colour and form of this section of the Brassicas at the 

 present day would surprise any gardener who knew only the few sorts existing at 

 the commencement of the Victorian era. The hardiness of this useful vegetable 

 has always been its most important feature, and it is to be hoped that the newer 

 selections will retain this essential characteristic. 



During the fifties Mr. Turner introduced the hardy and most useful Cottager's 

 Kale, and it appears to increase in favour. Mention must also be made of the 

 Variegated Kale, a highly ornamental plant as well as useful for cooking purposes. 

 In midwinter the charming colours of the leaves render them invaluable for 

 decorative purposes. 



THE CELERIES OF 1837 



were the Italian, Red and White Solid, and Turnip-rooted, and although there are 

 now many superior sorts, Celeries vary so little in character that there is less scope 

 for great improvement than in many other garden Vegetables. Much, however, 



