36 THE CULTURE OF VEGETABLES 



When finely pounded bottle them close, and you will have a perfect 

 sample of Cayenne pepper without any poisonous colouring. One 

 hundred Chilis will make about two ounces of pepper, which will 

 be sufficient in most houses for one year's supply. All the large 

 ornamental Capsicums may be put on strings, and hung up in a dry 

 store-room for use, as required, to flavour soups, make Chili vinegar, 

 Cayenne essence, &c. The last-named condiment is prepared by 

 steeping Capsicums in pure spirits of wine. A few drops of the 

 essence may be used in any soup, or indeed wherever the flavour of 

 Cayenne pepper is required. 



CARDOON 



(Cynara Cardunculus] 



THIS plant is nearly related to the Globe Artichoke, and it makes a 

 stately appearance when allowed to flower. Although it is not widely 

 cultivated in this country, it is found in some of our best gardens, and 

 is undoubtedly a wholesome esculent from which a skilful cook will 

 present an excellent dish. The stalks of the inner leaves are stewed, 

 and are also used in soups, as well as for salads, during autumn and 

 winter. The flowers, after, being dried, possess the property of 

 coagulating milk, for which purpose they are used in France. 



In a retentive soil Cardoons should be grown on the flat, but the 

 plant is a tolerably thirsty subject, and must have sufficient water. 

 Hence on very dry soils it may be necessary to put it in trenches 

 after the manner of Celery, and then it will obtain the full benefit 

 of all the water that may be administered. In any case the soil 

 must be rich and well pulverised if a satisfactory growth is to be 

 obtained. 



Towards the end of April rows are marked out three or four feet 

 apart, and groups of seeds sown at intervals of eighteen inches in the 

 rows. The plants are thinned to one at each station, and in due time 

 secured to stakes. Full growth is attained in August, when blanching 

 is commenced by gathering the leaves together, wrapping them round 

 with bands of hay, and earthing up. It requires from eight to ten 

 weeks to accomplish the object fully. The French method is quicker. 

 Seed is sown in pots under glass, and in May the plants are put out 

 three feet apart. When fully grown the Cardoons are firmly secured 

 to stakes by three small straw bands. A covering of straw, three 

 inches thick, is thatched round every plant from bottom to top, and 



