666 THE farmers' handbook. 



Harvesting. 



As soon as any of the plants become fit for harvesting, examination of the 

 field must be made daily, and heads must be cut before they show signs of 

 the flower stalks breaking away, thus giving the head an uneven, loose 

 appearance. 



The cutting is usually done with a large knife, the plants being cut about 

 3 inches below the head, keeping all but the outside, dirty leaves to avoid 

 damage in transit. The plants, when cut, may be carried to convenient 

 heaps round the field ; or, if the waggon or cart can be taken through the 

 crop without damaging the growing plants, they may be loaded direct. 



The weight of cauliflowers, as marketed, vai'ies with the size, ranging from 

 fifteen to twenty dozen per ton. 



Yield and Returns. 



The yield varies considerably, according to the season and the variety 

 grown. When good seed has been used, and irrigation has been practised, 

 the yield from main crops can be reckoned ac about 400 dozen per acre. This 

 allows of very few misses, but this yield is frequently obtained under the 

 above conditions, even when planted 3 feet x 3 feet apart. 



With cauliflowers selling at from 3s. to 3s. 6d. per dozen, a yield of 400 

 dozen per acre would give a gross return of from £60 to £70 per acre. 

 This return should allow of a substantial profit being made after paying all 

 expenses. 



The prices taken for the purpose of showing the probable return are the 

 average prices obtained for medium grade. Prime cauliflowers would average 

 at least 5s. to 12s. per dozen, while the small ones would not bring more than 

 Is. 6d. per dozen. This latter grade is often sold to the local pickle factories. 



Care should be taken not to plant a greater area than can be properly 

 attended to. By attempting too much, many a grower has failed. The area 

 to be worked per man should not exceed 3 or 4 acres. 



The cost of transport by road can usually be estimated at Is. per ton per 

 mile. 



Varieties. 



Veitch's Axhtumn Giant is, undoubtedly, the chief variety grown. It is a. 

 late variety, with long stem and large undulating dark leaves. The head is 

 large, very white, and well covered by inner leaves. 



Dwarf Erfurt (also known as Early Erfurt or White Queen) is an early 

 variety, and is practically the only variety grown-by the Long Island (U.S.A.) 

 growers. It is a plant of medium size, producing a fairly large, solid, heavy 

 head of good shape. 



Snowball. — This variety is a good early sort, and is much favoured in the 

 Goulburn district. It is a little earlier than Dwarf Erfurt, but not equal to 

 it in quality. 



Early London. — A fairly early variety, grown largely in the metropolitan 

 gardens. 



Broccoli greatly resembles cauliflower, and should receive the same treat- 

 ment. It takes longer to mature. 



