BORECOLE, OR KALE. 223 



low temperature, they are generally harvested in autumn, 

 before the closing-up of the ground. If reset in the follow- 

 ing spring, they will furnish an abundance of tender sprouts, 

 which, when cooked, are superior in flavor and delicacy to 

 the Cabbage, and resemble Coleworts or Brussels Sprouts. 



Seed. To raise seed, select, at the time of harvesting, 

 two or three well-grown plants ; take them up entire and 

 store them in the cellar for the winter. In April, or as soon 

 as the weather becomes mild, transplant them two feet and a 

 half or three feet apart in each direction. When in flower, 

 the plant resembles the Cabbage at a similar stage of growth, 

 and should be staked, or otherwise supported to prevent 

 injury from wind. 



J. E. Teschemacher gives the following directions for cul- 

 ture and use : 



" Sow, the middle or last of May, a small bed on a mod- 

 erately rich soil, but in a well-exposed situation. When the 

 young plants have six or eight leaves, plant them six or eight 

 inches asunder, water well, and shade for a few days against 

 the hot sun. Towards the latter end of July, or middle of 

 August, they should be thick, stocky plants, fit for final 

 transplanting to the spots where they are to remain. The 

 ground must be well manured, and the plants moved singly 

 and carefully, with as much earth attached to the roots as 

 possible. They will not show much signs of growth until 

 the cool nights prevail ; after that, they will grow rapidly." 



Use. " The tender, upper part alone is eaten. They are 

 often, but not always, frozen when cut ; and, when this is 

 the case, they should be put into a cool cellar, or in cold 

 water, until the frost is out of them. The beautiful curled 

 leaves are quite ornamental. 



" From one hundred plants, pluckings for the table were 

 made twice a week, from the middle of November to the 

 middle of January ; and these fresh from the open garden, 

 11* 



