460 PLANTS CULTIVATED FOR THEIR USES 



I raised two acres of them this year. At the present prices the profit per acre 

 n two hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars. When they command 

 t^mi dollars per thousand, the profit is from four hundred and fifty to six hun- 

 :ollars. 



In those counties in England in which the finest and best 

 teasels are raised, the sowing season commences about the be- 

 ginning of April. The English mode of sowing is broadcast, 

 though the plant is evidently better adapted to the drill or row 

 system. The quantity of seed varies according to the method 

 adopted, from one to two pecks per acre; and in quality the 

 seed should be fresh and plump. In taking the teasel crop the 

 heads are cut off as they become ripe; but the work is mostly 

 performed at three different periods, with intervals of about 

 ten days between each. A knife with a short blade and a 

 string attached to the haft, is used for the purpose. A pair of 

 stout strong gloves is also necessary. The operator then cuts 

 off the ripe heads with about nine inches of stem, and ties them 

 up in handfuls, with a perfectly ripened stem. In the evening 

 they are to be placed in a dry shed, and afterwards, when the 

 weather is fair and the air clear, they should be exposed to the 

 influence of the sun, until they become dry. After this, they 

 may be put away into a dry room, where they are to remain 

 until wanted for use. But previously to being taken to market 

 they should be sorted into three classes, and done up with care 

 and" neatness. 



To save seeds leave a few of the finest and best plants un- 

 cropped, and then, when the seed is ripe, cut off only the largest 

 and terminating heads, from which the seed may be separated 

 by the flail, and cleansed by the sieve or winnowing machine. 

 The chief enemies of the teasel are the fly and the slug their 

 injuries are inflicted on the plant while it is young. 



BLACK AND WHITE MUSTARD S1NAPJS NIGRA ET ALBA. 



As we have remarked in another place, the Black and White 

 Mustard are plants not unfrequently cultivated for their oils. 

 They are likewise applicable to other purposes, and in an espe- 

 cial degree to the making of the well known condiment mus- 

 tard which is much used in many countries. Both these 

 species are annual; admit of easy culture, and ripen their seeds 

 early in autumn. For spring or summer consumption, it is 

 recommended to sow at intervals of a week or ten days in 

 March and April. They may be sown in rows on a flat sur- 

 face like grain, the distance between the rows being twelve 

 inches, so as to allow a space sufficient for a person to work 

 between the rows with a hand-hoe to advantage. They re- 

 quire no further culture than weeding during their growth. 



