CABBAGE. 97 



all the varieties eat sweeter for being touched 

 with the frost. With all the veneration 

 we have for the great naturalist of Rome, 

 we cannot agree with him when he states, 

 that the seeds of a very old cabbage will 

 produce turnips, and that the seeds also of 

 an old turnip will produce coleworts.* The 

 Romans were not aware that plants so 

 nearly affined would mix their species by 

 impregnation, and produce mongrel plants. 

 This was unfortunately not known in England 

 until it had ruined and broke the heart of 

 poor Ball, the Brentford gardener ; for which 

 see Pomarium Britannicum.-jf 



We find that the Romans planted the 

 sprouts as well as the young plants. Colu- 

 mella tells us that the latter should be re- 

 moved when they have attained six leaves. 

 The ancients often steeped them in oil and 

 salt before they put them over the fire to 

 boil; and it was observed by them, that if 

 any brass pot or kettle was ever so much 

 furred, and however hard to get off, if a 

 cabbage was boiled in it, the fur would peel 

 from the sides without difficulty. 



It is also related that a physician, having 



# Book xix. chap. 10. t P. 373. 



VOL. I. II 



