The Culture of Vegetables 



Formerly it appeared to be impossible that any first-class Pea should 

 be gathered without the aid of a ladder. Dwarf Peas, possessing the 

 true marrowfat flavour, are now available throughout the season, and 

 for the first earlies we are no longer dependent on the round-seeded 

 varieties. All the pulse tribe have shared in the advance, and a 

 comparison of any dozen or score of the favourite sorts of Peas or 

 Beans grown to-day with the same number of favourites of half or 

 even a quarter of a century since will at once prove that progress in 

 horticulture is no dream of the enthusiast. 



Among the Brassicas, such as Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage 

 and Cauliflower, a series of remarkable examples might be mentioned ; 

 and roots such as Beet, Carrot, Onion, Radish and Turnip afford 

 other striking instances of improvement. Salads also, including 

 Celery, Chicory, Endive and Lettuce, have participated in the bene- 

 ficial change and offer a large choice of dainties, adapted to various 

 periods of the year. Indeed it may be truly said that none of the 

 occupants of the vegetable garden have refused to be improved by 

 scientific crossing and selection. 



The vegetables which are available for the sustenance of man 

 offer a wide and most interesting field to the expert in selecting and 

 hybridising. For past achievements we are indebted to the untiring 

 labours of specialists, and to their continued efforts we look for further 

 results. Whether the future may have in store greater changes than 

 have already been witnessed none can tell. One thing only is cer- 

 tain, that finality is unattainable, and the knowledge of this fact adds 

 to the charm of a fascinating pursuit. Happily innovations are no 

 longer received with the suspicion or hostility they formerly encoun- 

 tered. In gardens conducted with a spirit of enterprise novelties are 

 welcome and have an impartial trial. The prudent gardener will 

 regard these sowings as purely experimental, made for the express 

 purpose of ascertaining whether better crops can be secured in future 

 years. For his principal supplies he will rely on those varieties 

 which experience has proved to be suitable for the soil, and adapted 

 to the requirements of the household he has to serve. By growing 

 the best of everything, and growing everything well, not only is the 

 finest produce insured in abundance, but every year the garden 

 presents new features of interest. 



In considering the general order of work in the Kitchen Garden, 

 the first principle is that its productive powers shall be taxed to the 

 utmost. There need be no fallowing no resting of the ground ; and 

 if it should so happen that by hard cropping perplexity arises about 



