RABi. 

 Intermediate between the Cabbage and the Turnip we have this singular vegetable. The 



stem, just above the surface of the ground, swells into a bulb something like a Turnip, as shown 

 in the engraving. Above this are the leaves, somewhat resembling 

 those of the Ruta Baga. The bulbs are served like Turnips, and are 

 very delicate and tender when young, possessing the flavor of both 

 Turnip and Cabbage, to some extent. In Europe they are exten- 

 sively grown for stock, and are thought to keep better than the 

 Turnip, and impart no unpleasant taste to milk. Seed sown for 

 a general crop, in the spring, like the Turnip, in drills ; or may be 

 transplanted like Cabbage. For winter table use, sow middle of 

 June. One advantage claimed for the Kohl Rabi is that it suffers less 

 from severe drouth than the Turnip, and therefore a crop is almost 



certain. This being so, it must be well adapted to culture in many sections of our country. 



LETTUCE. 



Lettuce is divided into two classes; the Cabbage, with round head and broad, spreading 

 leaves ; and the Cos, with long head and upright, narrow leaves. The Cabbage varieties are 

 the most tender and buttery, 

 and the Cos the most crisp and 

 refreshing. In Europe, the Cos 

 varieties are used very gener- 

 ally. They are the most 

 liked by dealers, because they 

 will carry better and keep longer 

 in good condition than the Cab 

 bage sorts. There are several 

 varieties with loose, curled 

 leaves, having the habit of 

 the Cabbage, though not form- 

 ing solid heads, and are very 

 pretty for garnishing, but other- 

 wise not equal to the plain sorts. 

 Seed sown in the autumn will 

 come in quite early in the 

 spring, but not early enough to 

 satisfy 'the universal relish for 

 early salad. The hot-bed, there- 

 fore, must be started quite early. 

 Give but little heat, and plenty 

 of air and water on fine days. Sow a couple of rows thick, in the front of the frame, to be used 

 when young say two inches in height. Let the plants in the rest of the bed be about three 

 inches apart, and, as they become thick, remove every alternate one. Keep doing so, as required, 

 and the last will be as large as Cabbages. Sow in the open ground as early as possible; or, if 

 you have plants from fall sowing, transplant them to a rich soil, giving plenty of room and hoe 

 well. We give engravings showing the appearance of the Cabbage, Cos and Curled varieties. 



MARTYNIA. 



The Martynia is a hardy annual plant of robust growth, and some of the varieties are some- 

 what grown as flowering plants, as will be seen by reference 

 to page 76. M. proboscidea produces its curious seed-pods, 

 shown in the engraving, quite abundantly, and these, when 

 tender, are prized by a good many for pickling. They 

 should be gathered before getting fibrous or " stringy." 

 A little experience will soon make the matter of selecting easy. 



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