BROCOIl. 41 



a rich loamy soil in an open situation. After the 

 ground has been well dug, and well manured for a 

 previous crop, they may be put in ; if the weather 

 is moist at the time, so much the better. They 

 are to be planted in rows two feet and a half apart, 

 and two feet distant in the rows ; but for some of the 

 small dwarf varieties, such as the Tartarian and 

 white Malta, eighteen inches each way will be found 

 sufficient. As soon as they are planted they should 

 be watered, and if the weather is dry this process 

 should be continued every other day, until they 

 have taken root. Their further culture is to keep 

 them clear from weeds, by hoeing the ground 

 occasionally, and when they have advanced a little 

 in growth, to draw some earth about their stems, 

 which, if repeated now and then, will be of ad- 

 vantage in promoting their growth. 



In gathering brocoli for use the heads should be 

 cut while they remain close, and before they begin 

 to divide and assume a seedy-like appearance, and 

 with about six inches of the main stalk to each 

 headl 



Various methods have been advised for the pro- 

 tection of this vegetable in winter, which, if it 

 proves severe, destroys a number of plants, espe- 

 cially if the early part has been mild and open. 



The most secure way is, if there is the conve- 

 niency of a shed or cellar, to take up such plants 

 as are the most forward in flower, and set them 

 nearly upright in moist sand or light mould, where 

 they will continue to vegetate, and come to perfec- 

 tion sufficiently to answer the purpose intended. 



Another method is practised by some of the 



