HALF OPENED ARTICHOKE 

 BLOSSOM 



This is an individual blossom of the 

 artichoke. The flower head has passed 

 the period when it would have been in 

 ideal condition for eating, but has not 

 yet fully presented its stamens and 

 pistils. The improvement shown in 

 some of these crossbred artichokes is 

 remarkable; and they are still under- 

 going development. Some of the newer 

 varieties produce blossoms four feet in 

 circumference. The most wonderful of 

 all is a perpetual variety of exquisite 

 quality. 



