242 BRASSICACEOUS PLANTS. 



There is, however, very little permanency to these sorts. 

 Much of the seed found in the market will not only produce 

 plants corresponding with both of the varieties described, 

 but also numerous intermediate kinds. 



THE CABBAGE. 



Brassica oleracea capitata. 



The Cabbage is a biennial plant ; and, though compara- 

 tively hardy, growing at all seasons unprotected in Eng- 

 land, will not withstand the winters of the Northern States 

 in the open ground. 



When fully developed, it is from four to five feet in height. 

 The flowers are cruciform, generally yellow, but sometimes 

 white or yellowish-white. The seeds, which ripen in July 

 and August of the second year, are round, reddish-brown or 

 blackish-brown, and retain their vitality five years. About 

 ten thousand are contained in an ounce. 



Soil. Cabbages are best grown in deep, rich, loamy 

 soil. On land that has been long under cultivation, or in 

 dry situations, they rarely succeed well. Ashes, with a 

 mixture of salt, may be advantageously applied, not only for 

 the promotion of growth, but for protection against the 

 attack of the maggot, to which the roots are liable. They 

 may be mixed in the hill at the time of transplanting, or 

 applied about the plant from time to time in the process of 

 cultivation. 



Propagation. All of the varieties are propagated from 

 seed sown annually. For early use, a sowing may be made 

 in a hot-bed in February or March ; and, for winter use, the 

 seed may be sown in a nursery-bed in the open ground in 

 May or June. When five or six inches high, transplant to 

 the distance directed in the description of the variety. In 



