CAULIFLOWERS 109 



3 to 4 in. space is left between each plant ; in other 

 words, from 150 to 220 plants are placed under each 

 light. 



The planting finished, a nice sprinkling is given over- 

 head, and the outside air is shut out for a few days 

 until the plants pick up again. After this, air must 

 be given on all fine days by tilting the lights with a 

 piece of wood, brick, or flower-pot whichever happens 

 to be most convenient. 



Cloches. When Cauliflowers are pricked out under 

 cloches, raised sloping beds (see fig. i) wide enough 

 to accommodate three rows of glasses, are prepared 

 and covered with fine rich mould. An impression of 

 the cloches having been made on the surface by 

 pressing down in the required spots, nineteen plants 

 are usually placed under each one. The treatment 

 is then the same as under lights. 



It sometimes happens that the young plants under 

 lights and cloches grow too quickly and would very 

 soon stifle each other if not moved. Other beds for 

 lights and cloches must then be prepared as in the 

 first case. The plants are carefully taken up and 

 transferred to these new quarters, but naturally at 

 a greater distance from each other than before so 

 that each light holds only 80 to 140 plants, and each 

 cloche about 14 instead of 19 as at first. This second 

 pricking out retards the plants, and makes them 

 generally hardier and more sturdy. It is also con- 

 sidered to make the plants mature earlier and to 

 develop smaller " heads." 



Protection. From November onwards the young 

 Cauliflower plants must be protected from severe 

 frosts by means of mats spread over the frames or 



