CAULIFLOWERS 115 



ever, it may be kept in check. During early growth, 

 if the plants are syringed occasionally with a little 

 weak paraffin emulsion, the foliage will be rendered 

 noxious to the various pests. About an egg-cupful of 

 paraffin to three or four gallons of warm water, well 

 mixed up with a little soft soap, will make a good 

 solution. It should be applied in a fine spray morning 

 or evening. 



CELERY 



The Celery (Apium graveolens) is a native biennial 

 plant that has become of great garden value by selection 

 and cultivation for centuries, and as a salad the leaf- 

 stalks are highly esteemed. For intensive cultivation 

 French gardeners favour a variety called " Chemin " 

 or " Plein blanc dore," and known to us as " Paris 

 Golden/' This has leaves and stems of a golden- 

 yellow colour, and matures quickly. It is, however, 

 somewhat susceptible to frosts, and therefore is more 

 valued for early crops. Other forms of this Celery 

 are known as " Plein blanc d'Amerique," or " White 

 Plume/' and " Plein blanc a cotes roses," or " Pink 

 Plume/' both of which are also much grown in 

 France for early crops, owing to the fact that the 

 stems blanch readily without being " earthed up " 

 very much. 



From the end of January until about the middle of 

 March seeds of the varieties mentioned may be sown 

 on hot-beds having a temperature of 60 to 70 Fahr. 

 To encourage rapid germination, frequent sprinklings 

 are given, and when the young plants appear as much 

 air as possible is given in accordance with the state 



