VEGETABLE CROPS. 667 



Cabbages. 



The cultivation of this crop is practically identical with that of cauliflowers, 

 and it will only be necessary here to deal with any points of difference. 



'I'll-' largest cabbage producing district in this State is undoubtedly Burra- 

 wang, situated about 9 miles east from Moss Vale, and in the surrounding 

 localities, including Wilde's Meadow, Myra Vale, &c, and extending to 

 Robertson and Kangaloon. About 300 tons are consigned from Moss Vale 

 Station every month during the season, and large quantities are also sent out 

 of this district from Bowral. Large areas are also grown in the suburban 

 gardens, as well as at Gosford and in the Maitland district. 



The crop can be grown in practically every district in the State. Nearly 

 any soil will grow cabbages successfully if sufficient manure and decaying 

 vegetable matter are added to keep it in good physical and chemical condition. 



As a rule, in the Burrawang district, the rich volcanic soils are chiefly 

 used for the winter crop, and the lower land for the summer crop. 



This vegetable has, perhaps, a wider range than any other, being more or 

 less successfully grown in the hot interior and on the cool tablelands. It is 

 essentially a cool climate plant, and when grown in the hot districts must 

 be planted so as to mature before the heat of summer. 



In some portions of the State, and chiefly during the winter months, 

 cabbage plants are raised from seed in hot-beds, and gradually hardened off 

 before planting. As with cauliflowers, the seed should be sown six weeks 

 before the plants are required in warm weather ; but during the cooler part 

 of the year two months should be allowed. 



The distance varies according to the variety used. For the smaller varie- 

 ties, such as St. John's Day, 2 feet 6 inches x 2 feet is sufficient, and for 

 larger sorts, as Savoy and Succession, 3 feet x 2 feet. If the soil is of poor 

 quality the plants should be given more room, and should be planted 3 feet 

 x 3 feet. When planted at this latter distance on rich soils, the tendency 

 is for the plants to become too large. 



The time to harvest is when the heart is fully developed, and does not yield 

 to pressure from the hand. 



Cabbages being planted closer than cauliflowers, the yield is, consequently, 

 larger in number of heads, and a yield of from 500 to 600 dozen per acre can 

 be expected in average years. The average price is about 2s. per dozen. 



Succession (Henderson's). — This is a very popular variety, and the one most 

 largely grown. It is fairly early, has large flat heads, closely. packed, carries 

 well, and is a favourite on the market. It stands the heat of summer fairly 

 well, and does not run to seed quickly. The best all-round variety grown. 



St. John's Day. — This is one of the best for hot climates. It is very early 

 and produces a firm heart. A small cabbage. 



Improved St. John's Day. — This is the best of summer cabbages, and alto- 

 gether distinct from the small St. John's Day, being somewhat later and larger. 



Savoy. — This is a very crinkled type of cabbage, having a very dark green 

 colour and a distinct flavour. It is especially suitable for the cooler portions 

 of the State, being planted in February so as to mature during autumn and 

 winter, the flavour being considered best after exposure to frost. 



London Market. — This is a good main crop variety for autumn planting. 



Early Jersey Wakefield. — An early sort, and largely grown in small gardens. 

 It has a very pointed heart, and should be cut as soon as ready for use, other- 

 wise it will run to seed. 



Pickling Cabbage. — The cultivation of this class of cabbage is identical 

 with that for the other varieties. Most are red in colour. 



