CABBAGE. 29 



while it should be well prepared, no manure of any 

 kind should be used; it induces weakling plants. Some 

 sow seed directly in the field where the plants are to 

 remain, considering it more expeditious and satisfac- 

 tory, as there is no check in growth as in transplanting. 

 By sowing with a drill to drop seed about as far apart 

 as plants should stand, but little thinning will be neces- 

 sary. In thinning, pull the rankest growing plants, 

 reserving those possessing fine mid-ribs and general 

 sturdiness. Good cultivation is necessary for a full 

 crop of cabbage seed from the time of sowing till final 

 stage of seeding. Cabbage for seed should not be grown 

 oftener than twice in the same ground without rotation 

 of crops, one season for production of plants and one 

 for seed. 



Cabbage seed may be produced by three methods, 

 from solid or perfectly developed heads, from partially 

 or half-formed heads, and from stumps from which 

 solid heads have been removed for use. By either 

 process, excellent seed answering for all practical gar- 

 dening purposes may be obtained. 



The First Method: From Solid Heads. This is 

 practiced for obtaining extra-selected stock-seed, or seed 

 to be used for growing a commercial or field crop. It 

 enables roguing to be critically performed, as only extra- 

 choice heads must be selected to produce stock seed. 



Second Method. With stock seed produced as 

 above for starting the crop, a crop of commercial seed 

 may be raised by the second method, from partially 

 developed heads, although the experienced grower con- 

 tinues roguing with this crop, as mixtures and inferior 

 plants are readily detected by him in a field of half- 

 formed heads; and providing care is thus observed in 

 throwing out all impure plants, seed produced by the 



