CLASS II. PULSE, VEGETABLE TOPS. 367 



are dug six inches in depth, and in rows four feet asunder, and 

 eighteen inches apart : leaving, finally, but a single plant in a place ; 

 the soil deep, light, and rich; water in dry weather. When the 

 plant is nearly full grown, or in September, and in a dry day, tie 

 up the leaves lightly, bringing the ribs in contact, with strong mat- 

 ting. Cover the whole two thirds of its height, by winding closely 

 a twisted hay band, an inch and a half in diameter, from the bottom, 

 upwards; they will soon become blanched and tender. To secure 

 from hard frosts, earth up, in a dry day, against the bands, and oth- 

 erwise secure the plants in winter. It is used in stews, soups, and 

 salads. 



39. CAULIFLOWER. Brassica oleracea lotrytis. 



A species of cabbage, of a most superior kind, the head or flowers 

 only being used. Sow in September, and preserve the young plants 

 during winter, for an early crop. For a late crop, sow in April. 

 Transplant into very rich, and rather moist loam, three feet asunder 

 every way. Tie up the tops gently, but close over the head, to 

 blanch them. Boiled in a linen cloth, and eaten with melted butter, 

 this vegetable is superior. 



40. DANDELION. Leontodan taraxacum. 



A well-known and extremely wholesome vegetable for early 

 greens and salads, of a slightly bitter, but agreeable taste. It is 

 reputed to possess valuable medicinal properties. Sow in April or 

 May, in a rich soil, or it may be propagated by division of roots, and 

 improved by blanching. 



S. S. 41. EGG PLANT. Solanum melongena. 



] . Purple, (useful.) 2. White, (ornamental.) 



An annual plant, which rises two feet or more in height ; the fruit, 

 which is produced in abundance, is very beautiful. In size and 

 form, it resembles an ostrich's egg. Sliced and properly fried with 

 ham, it is a delicious vegetable. Sow the seeds in a hot-bed in 

 March, and transplant to the distance of two feet asunder in the 

 open air, in May. A good portion of heat and of moisture are 

 necessary, otherwise the seeds do not readily germinate. 



42. HIBISCUS. Hibiscus esculentus. (Gombo.) 



A tender annual variety of Hibiscus, a native of the West Indies, 

 and now cultivated in the south of France. It rises four or five 

 feet, and produces capsules, which are used, while green, in soups, 

 or eaten with butter. 



43. INDIAN CORN. Zea mays. 



1. JVeic Early Dicarf. 2. Sweet, or Sugar. 



These are the two principal kinds used at table. The New Early 

 Dwarf is very early, and good for boiling. The Sweet is a kind 

 well known ; it shrivels in drying, and is superior to all others for 

 boiling. To preserve this kind for boiling in winter, it is first boiled 

 in the husk, at the time while the kernel is yet tender, and after 

 being husked, it is hung up by the husks in the sun, till, thoroughly 

 dry, it is shelled and laid by for use. When wanted, the corn is 

 steeped in water over night, and to this same -water beans are after- 

 wards added, and the whole are boiled together. A delicious article j 



