SALAD PLANTS. 



93 



handful of the plants and retaining them under water by a large 

 stone ; the plant then speedily roots and spreads uniformly. About 

 four to six inches of water suffices. Water-cresses like full exposure 

 to light, and dislike the shade of trees. 



Whilst growing, water-cress should be continually freed from other 

 weeds, and duck-weed should be removed by a birch broom. When 

 it runs to seed, it should be cut down. In the dark cold weather of 

 November and December the plant is reduced to its smallest pro- 

 portions. 



Frost injures the plant ; nevertheless by moderate care water- 

 cresses may be procured for every day in the year. In severe frosts 

 my gardener very judiciously covers the plant with water, and so 

 protects it. 



We note two varieties of water-cress, the green and the brown 

 (fig. 124): the latter is preferred in the market, though I prefer the 

 former, as being more delicate and hardier. By careful selection I 

 once had a very brown stock ; but if the green variety is not care- 



FIG. 124. Two forms of Watercress. 



FIG. 125. FIG. 126. 



Salads Mustard and Rape. 



fully destroyed, it speedily takes the place of the brown entirely. 

 Water-cresses should be thoroughly cleansed before they are eaten, 

 and should never be used where the stream has any sewage con- 

 tamination. Water-cresses can be grown, although unsatisfactorily, 

 in a moist place without water. 



Germinating Mustard (Sinapis alba, fig. 125) can be procured all 

 the year round by sowing the seed on a piece of wet flannel or on 

 moistened earth. It is used whilst only the seed-leaves exist, and is a 



