64 CABBAGES, HOW TO GROW THEM, ETC. 



barrel is filled. Now compact the mass as much as 

 possible by pounding, after which put on a well fitting- 

 cover resting on the cabbage, and lay heavy weights or 

 a stone on this. When fermented it is ready for use. 

 To prepare for the table fry in butter or fat. 



The outer green leaves of cabbages are sometimes 

 used to line a brass or copper kettle in which pickles are 

 made, in the belief that the vinegar extracts the color- 

 ing substance (chlorophyl) in the leaves, and the cucum- 

 bers absorbing this acquire a rich green color. Be not 

 deceived by this transparent cheat, simple housewife ! 

 the coloring matter comes almost wholly from the copper 

 or brass behind those leaves ; and, instead of an inno 

 cent vegetable pigment, your green cucumbers are dyed 

 with the poisonous carbonate of copper. 



CABBAGES UNDER GLASS. 



The very early cabbages usually bringing very high 

 prices, the enterprising market gardener either winters 

 young plants under glass or starts them there, planting 

 the seed under its protecting shelter long before the cold 

 of Winter is passed. When the design is to winter over 

 Fall grown plants, the seed are planted in the open 

 ground about the middle of September and at about the 

 last of October they arc ready to go into the cold frames, 

 as such are called that depend wholly on the sun for 

 heat. Select those having short stumps and transplant- 

 into the frames, about an inch and a half by two inches 

 apart, shading them with a straw mat or the like for a 

 few days, after which let them remain without any glass 

 over them until the frost is severe enough to begin to 

 freeze the ground, then place over the sashes, but bear in 

 mind that the object is not to promote growth, -but as 

 nearly as possible to keep them in a dormant state, to 



