BROCCOLI. 



173 



with mats. In this way cauliflower may be kept in a very 

 good state for several months. 



Broccoli has a close affinity to cauliflower, being like it 

 of Italian origin, and differing chiefly in the greater hardi- 

 ness of its constitution. The subvarieties are numerous, 

 and exceedingly diversified. The following are those which 

 are most in repute at present. The first five produce their 

 heads in autumn, the others in spring : — 



Early Purpie Cape, Sulphur-colored, 



Grange's Early, or Gilles- Late White, 



pie's Broccoli, Late Purple, 



Early Purple, Knight's Protecting, 



Early White, Edinburg White. 



Of the autumnal sorts there should be two sowings, one in 

 the middle of April, and one in the middle of May. As 

 the plants acquire strength they are shifted into the open 

 ground, where they are placed in lines two feet apart. The 

 cape varieties are of great excellence, being of a delicious 

 flavor when dressed ; but, on account of the plants being 

 apt to start into flower, their cultivation has in many places 

 been neglected. With proper management, however, this 

 tendency may be overruled. The first sowing maybe made 

 on any border of light soil, scattering the seed very spar- 

 ingly. In about a month the plants may be transferred 

 directly into a quarter consisting of sandy loam, well en- 

 riched with rotten dung. The greater part of the second 

 crop should be planted in pots, likewise directly from the 

 seed-bed. These plants are to be sunk in the open ground 

 till the heads be formed; and in the end of November 

 they are to be placed under a glass frame, where very good 

 broccoli may be produced during the severest weather of 

 winter. Mr. Ronalds of Brentford recommends that the 



