76 THE FARMER AT HOME. 



our plan does not embrace it any further than to remark, that cattle 

 require kind treatment, plenty of good food at all times, and protection 

 from the severity of our winters. On these things, next to skilful 

 breeding, the excellence of cattle is mainly to depend. See Youatt 

 and Martin on Cattle. 



CAULIFLOWER. This is a species of cabbage. What is the 

 head in common cabbage, in the cauliflower is a mass of buds and 

 flowers, possessing a richness and delicacy seldom found. It is the 

 most curious, as well as the most delicately-flavored, of the numerous 

 varieties of the cabbage family. The white flower buds form a large, 

 firm head, surrounded by long, green leaves. Its history is not so 

 well known as that of some other plants, less valuable in the culinary 

 department. On its being introduced into England from the island 

 of Cyprus, about the beginning of the seventeenth century, much 

 attention was paid to its culture, by which means its appearance and 

 character have been greatly improved. In our own country, it is 

 much less known than its merits deserve. To show to what an enor- 

 mous size it can be made to attain under skilful management, we 

 mention a single plant raised in the garden of the late Hon. Peter C. 

 Brooks, of Medford, Mass. The bare flower mea'sured thirty-eight 

 inches in circumference, and weighed six pounds and five ounces. 



CAUSTICITY. A substance is said to be caustic when it pro- 

 duces the same effect on the tongue as that of actual fire ; that is, an 

 immediate sensation of burning, followed by a slight disorganization 

 of the surface actually in contact. Thus alkalies are called caustic 

 when deprived of carbonic acid, because, when concentrated, they 

 then burn and blister the tongue almost instantly. Caustic substances 

 are also generally corrosive, or such as act on organized matter, and 

 decompose it with rapidity. The term caustic, prefixed to the alkalies 

 and earths to distinguish the pure or decarbonated state, is now almost 

 always omitted as unnecessary, by the use of the term carbonic ; thus 

 to the terms caustic potash, and mild potash, are substituted those of 

 potash, and carbonate of potash, respectively. We also say lime, and 

 the carbonate of lime. Caustic medicines are principally used to 

 reduce irregular excresences of the flesh. 



CEDAR. A well known evergreen, very like the juniper in 

 appearance, which flourishes in cold mountainous places. The leaves 

 are much narrower than those of the pine tree, and the seeds are pro- 

 duced in large cones. The most celebrated species is that of Lebanon, 

 which is also found in Russia, and which is introduced by transplant- 

 ing into various parts of Europe and America. 



CELERY. This is a hardy biennial plant. The blanched leaf- 

 stalks are a very excellent raw salad. It is supposed to be a native 

 of Great Britain, and, in its wild state, is found in marshy grounds 

 and ditches, having a coarse, rank taste. Under judicious cultivation, 

 it is surprisingly altered, becoming sweet, mild, and crispy. There 



