30 THALAMIFLORJE. 



the United States, although they flower and seed readily in our 

 mountains. Should it be desired to obtain seed for our own 

 use some of the best heads ought to be selected, and dug up, 

 and sunk in the ground to the top of the stem ; and in the course 

 of a few months a flower stalk will appear, followed by a plen- 

 tiful supply of seed. 



The Cabbage, of all the European vegetables cultivated in 

 this Island, is produced in the greatest perfection, being not at 

 all inferior to what is grown in more temperate climates. It is 

 generally considered as of a flatulent nature, and apt to disagree 

 with persons of a weak digestion. The ancient Greeks and 

 Romans were of the belief, that it prolonged life, and pre- 

 served the brain from the intoxicating effects of wine. 



2. Brassica campestris. Field Cabbage. 

 Leaves glaucous with pollen subcarnulose, the 

 lower ones the first produced subhispid or ciliated 

 lyrate dentate, the rest cordato-amplexicaul acuminate.' 

 De Cand. 



De Cand. Syst. II. 588. 



HAB. Cultivated. 



FL. ? 



Of this species there are 3 varieties; 1. OLEIFERA ; 2. PABU- 

 LARIA ; 2. NAPO-BRASSICA. The latter, known in Europe as the 

 Swedish turnip, and in this country as the Turnip-rooted cabbage, 

 is commonly cultivated in our gardens. The leaves, as well as 

 the root, are made use of as vegetables. They are more easily 

 digested than either the cabbage or turnip. 



3. Brassica rapa. Turnip. 



Radical leaves lyrate destitute of a glaucous pollen 

 setoso-scabrous, those of the stem nearly entire 

 smooth. 



De Cand Syst. II. 590. 



HAB. Cultivated. 



FL, ? 



The Turnip is said to be a native of different parts of Europe. 

 It is-cultivated in this country, but seldom comes to perfection, 

 unless sown in provision grounds, on land with a declivity, in 

 the mountains. In such situations, they may be grown to a 

 large size, and with a flavour not inferior to those of Europe. 

 The Turnip is regarded as a very excellent vegetable, being 

 pleasant and cooling to the taste, and gently aperient. De 

 Candolle mentions that a decoction of turnips, sweetened with 

 sugar, is an excellent remedy for aphtha:, and in phthisical cases. 



