THE CABBAGE TRIBE. 



in 



forms numerous heads by way of sprouts : this variety is found useful 

 in early spring. Cabbages may be propagated by cuttings as well as 

 by seed. The Savoy (Brassica oleracea btdlata major, fig. 156) is a 



FIG. 155. Cabbage, \ diam. 



FIG. 156. Savoy, \ diam. 



hardy form of vegetal, but coarser than the common cabbage. It should 

 always be grown for winter use. We sow in March, plant out in July 

 and August, and have them in use between November and February. 



For winter use unquestionably, for a private garden, Brussels sprouts 

 (Brassica oleracea bullata gemmifera, fig. 157) are of more value than 

 any of the cabbage tribe. They are perfectly hardy, and withstand the 

 severest cold ; for this reason they should always be grown in quantity, 

 as they last from the beginning of October till late in spring. The 

 Brussels sprouts are so called because they throw up a stem about three 

 feet high with leaves all the way up. In the axils of these leaves 

 miniature savoys or sprouts are formed. It is curious that this 

 vegetal does not remain true in many other places than at Brussels, 

 although true seed may be obtained elsewhere. The produce is very 

 large, for the little heads make up in quantity what they want in size. 

 The head of the Brussels sprout is a poor cabbage-like development, 

 which may be eaten, .but is not so good as the little sprout. 



The seed of our first crop is sown in the orchard-house in February. 

 The main crop is sown at the end of March, in the open ground. The 

 plants of the first sowing are planted out in May and June, as ground 



