34 THE CULTURE OF VEGETABLES 



time while the plant stands still, to become, perhaps, infested with 

 blue aphis and utterly ruined. As a matter of fact, a little water 

 may be made to go a long way, and every drop judiciously adminis- 

 tered will more than repay its cost. The use of the hoe will greatly 

 help the growth, and a little earth may be drawn towards the stems, 

 not to the extent of ' moulding up,' for that is injurious, but to ' firm ' 

 the plants in some degree against the gales that are to be expected as 

 the days decline. 



Button's All Heart is well adapted for gardens where only one 

 sowing of one sort is made annually. It may be used at any age, is 

 quick in maturing, may be planted very close, as it makes but few 

 outside leaves, and in all stages is of excellent table quality. If a 

 second sort for a small garden be required, the best among many 

 good ones, perhaps, is the Early Dwarf York. And when two sorts 

 are grown there should be at least two sowings. 



THE RED CABBAGE is grown for pickling and also for stewing, 

 being in demand at many tables as an accompaniment to roasted 

 partridges. The plant requires the best ground that can be provided 

 for it, with double digging and plenty of manure. Two sowings may 

 be made, the first in April for a supply in autumn for cooking, and 

 the second in July for a crop to stand the winter and to supply large 

 heads for pickling. 



SAVOY CABBAGE 



(Brassica okracea bullatd) 



THE SAVOY CABBAGE is directly related to Brussels Sprouts, though 

 differing immensely in appearance. It is of great value for the 

 bulk of food it produces, as well as for its quality as a table vege- 

 table during the autumn and winter. In all the essential points 

 the Savoy may be grown in the same way as any other Cabbage, but 

 it is the general practice to sow the seed in spring only, the time 

 being determined by requirements. For an early supply, seed should 

 be sown in February in a frame ; and for succession sowings may be 

 made in an open bed in March, April, and May. This vegetable 

 needs a rich, deep soil to produce fine heads, but it will pay better 

 on poor soil than most other kinds of Cabbage, more especially if the 

 smaller sorts are selected. As Savoys do not advantageously supply 

 either Collards or Sprouts, it is advisable to plant in the first instance 

 at the proper distances, say, twelve inches for the small sorts, eighteen 



