BRUSSELS SPROUTS 91 



the greatest care is needed in the production and 

 selection of seed. While we can easily test for 

 germination, the real trial of this vegetable does 

 not come until maturity; the proof of brussels 

 sprouts is surely in the eating. As a rule, there 

 is no advantage to the home gardener in attempt- 

 ing to produce seed from biennial vegetables, even 

 when the climate makes it possible. A package of 

 Dalkeith brussels sprouts or other carefully se- 

 lected strain will afford the best possible start. 



This vegetable is especially prized in late fall 

 and early winter. For that reason, seeds are sown 

 rather late, in order that they may not mature too 

 early. The best most succulent growth is made 

 in the moist cool late summer. Brussels sprouts 

 is essentially a fall crop. Sow in the hotbed, or 

 in a finely prepared somewhat shaded seed-bed, 

 in June in a climate about like central New York 

 or any of the middle states. The seeds should be 

 scattered less than % inch apart, in a furrow % 

 inch deep. The germination test is an aid in de- 

 termining how much to vary the direction given 

 for distance in sowing any seed. The poorer the 

 percentage of germination, the closer the seeds 

 should be placed. 



A word of direction concerning the method 

 of sowing might help the inexperienced gardener. 

 Empty the packet of seeds into a shallow saucer. 

 Take a pinch between the thumb and first finger 

 and, as the hand is moved over the tiny furrow, 



